TAP pilots have reacted positively to the government’s decision to choose Lufthansa as the airline’s future strategic partner, saying the Portuguese carrier will be “in good hands” with the German aviation group.
Speaking to Lusa following Wednesday’s announcement, Frederico Saraiva de Almeida, vice-president of the Civil Aviation Pilots’ Union (SPAC), said either Lufthansa or rival bidder Air France-KLM would have represented a strong choice.
“We believe both companies are solid, they operate safely, they have robust operational procedures,” he said, describing both as leading names in international aviation alongside TAP.
“Therefore, I think we are in good hands.”
He added that the union remains focused on TAP’s future and hopes the airline now has “wings to fly in clear skies and without wind”.
The government selected Lufthansa to acquire 44.9% of TAP, with up to a further 5% reserved for employees. Any portion not taken up by workers can be acquired by Lufthansa, potentially taking the German group’s stake to 49.9%.
Its offer is worth €1.201 billion if the full 49.9% is acquired, with the government saying Lufthansa’s financial proposal was up to €163 million, or 16%, higher than that of Air France-KLM.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the two final proposals had been “robust and very equivalent”, particularly regarding TAP’s strategic development, with the financial component ultimately helping tip the decision in Lufthansa’s favour.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.