TAP's buyer will be known this week
The sale of TAP is entering its final stretch. Parpública, the state-owned body running the process, has sent the binding offers for the Portuguese airline up to the government, according to Preferente. The final call does not sit with Parpública. It belongs to the Council of Ministers. What is already clear is that Lufthansa and Air France have filed their final bids, so the race comes down to two European groups with very different takes on Lisbon.
The clock is ticking and everything points to the buyer's name being revealed this same week. For travellers and for anyone selling Portugal, little changes in the short term. For those working with TAP, quite a lot does. Alliance, hub network and loyalty programme all get reshuffled depending on who walks through the door.
My read is that Lisbon ends up well placed in either scenario. Star Alliance or SkyTeam, an Atlantic hub and a strong position towards Brazil and Africa are assets neither bidder wants to let go. The next step is to follow the official announcement and read the industrial plan that comes with it.
Quick questions
Who decides who buys TAP?
Which airlines have submitted a final bid for TAP?
When will TAP's buyer be known?
What changes for passengers if Lufthansa or Air France wins?
Why is TAP attractive to Europe's big groups?
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