Lufthansa Shows Interest in Portugal’s TAP, Following Air France

Deutsche Lufthansa AG submitted its expression of interest in Portugal’s TAP SA, with Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr touting Europe’s largest aviation group as the best partner for the state-owned carrier.

In addition to initially acquiring a minority stake, Lufthansa’s aim is to establish a long-term partnership with TAP and strengthen Lisbon’s position as an Atlantic hub in its network, the company said in a statement Thursday. Portugal’s government plans to sell a 49.9% stake in TAP, of which 5% will be first reserved for TAP workers.