The CEO of the German group, Carsten Spohr, described TAP as a "perfect match", highlighting the significance of the Brazilian and Latin American markets in the company's expansion strategy.

He said at the press conference presenting the 2025 results that TAP would significantly strengthen the group's presence in these markets.

He also highlighted Portugal's strategic importance in the aviation sector, referring to the investments already underway in the country.

Lufthansa Technik is building an industrial unit in the Lusopark business park in Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro district, dedicated to the repair and maintenance of aircraft components, in an investment valued at hundreds of millions of euros and expected to create more than 700 skilled jobs by 2027.

‘Portugal could become a very important strategic partner, not least because we are currently building a Lufthansa Technik facility in Portugal,’ said Carsten Spohr.

Lufthansa is also assessing the possibility of establishing a pilot training school in Portugal in conjunction with the Air Force.

He added that Lufthansa is evaluating, with the Air Force, whether a pilot school could be located in Portugal.

The German group also emphasised its intention to strengthen Lisbon's position as an air hub amid competition from Europe and the South Atlantic. ‘You only have to look at the map of Europe and see where Lufthansa has its hubs to understand Portugal's unique position,’ he commented.

He clarified that TAP's main competitors in the privatisation process, Air France-KLM and IAG (owner of Iberia and British Airways), already have established operations and significant hubs in markets geographically close to Portugal.

He noted, 'Our competitors already operate major hubs in the South Atlantic region. Some have hubs in Madrid, while others are based in Paris—both of which are much closer to Portugal than Lufthansa’s current hubs. As a result, competition for developing a hub in Lisbon would be more intense, which is another key point in favour of the Lufthansa group.'

Carsten Spohr, however, pointed out that the privatisation process is at an early stage and that the European aviation map is not expected to undergo significant changes. ‘The process is just beginning, but the European map will not be changed in this process,’ he said.

When asked about contacts with the Portuguese Government and the possibility of approval by the European Commission, the CEO considered it too early to draw conclusions.

‘It's too early to say that. But we are also talking to the Government, because this transaction will only go ahead if it creates value for our stakeholders,’ he said.

He added that the transaction's completion will depend on financial conditions. ‘It depends on the costs and prices that will have to be paid,’ he said.

Non-binding bids for the privatisation of TAP must be submitted to Parpública by 2 April and must include a financial component, such as the price offered for the shares and future valuation mechanisms (earn-outs).

Interested parties will also have to submit industrial and strategic plans, synergies, and guarantees to preserve TAP's status as an EU air operator.

The specifications provide for the sale of up to 44.9% of TAP's capital, with 5% reserved for employees, with any unsubscribed shares subject to the future buyer's right of first refusal.

Lufthansa posted a €1.3 billion profit in 2025, a 3% drop from the previous year, with revenues of €39.6 billion.