LISBON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Air France-KLM on Thursday submitted a non-binding proposal for the privatization of Portuguese national carrier TAP Air Portugal, reaffirming what the Franco-Dutch group described as its "continued and reiterated" interest in the airline.
The group highlighted Lisbon's strategic geographic position, describing the Portuguese capital's airport as a potential hub in southern Europe, offering strong connectivity to the Americas - including Brazil, a key market for both TAP and Air France-KLM - as well as to Africa.
Air France-KLM also pointed to the potential integration of TAP into its transatlantic partnership with Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic as a significant advantage. "Since TAP and Air France-KLM operate highly complementary networks, Portugal as a whole would benefit from increased air connectivity," the group said.
The Portuguese government has been pursuing TAP's partial privatization as part of broader efforts to secure a strategic partner for the carrier while retaining majority public ownership. The current privatization round covers 49.9 percent of TAP's capital, including 5 percent reserved for employees.
German aviation group Lufthansa also confirmed it would submit a non-binding offer by Thursday's deadline. ■