“Recovering public investment, improving passenger services, and ensuring TAP’s continued growth with its headquarters in Portugal” is what the Portuguese stand to gain from the privatization of TAP, as the government initiated the process on Thursday—though not all political parties agree with this approach.
In a social media post, the government explains the goal is to sell 49.9% of the Portuguese flag carrier.
Moreover, it outlines what the Portuguese will gain from this decision:
- Recovering the money invested by the State: “The entry of a private partner will be the first step to recover value for the State”;
- Improving service for passengers: “With more routes, more planes, and greater investment, TAP can offer a more competitive service. Create synergies with a reputable investor without burdening taxpayers”;
- Attracting private capital to enhance the company: “The sale will be made to an investor in the sector—either an airline—or to a consortium led by that strategic investor, with proven capabilities to grow TAP”;
- Protecting national interest: “The State will maintain strategic influence over TAP, safeguarding essential routes for Portugal—such as connections with the Azores, Madeira, Africa, and South America”;
- Generating value for the future: “The government aims to maximize returns responsibly and gradually: strengthening employment and skills in aviation, engineering, and maintenance”;
- Keeping TAP in Portugal, connecting the country to the world: “The first phase of privatization ensures that TAP’s headquarters and operational center remain in Lisbon—preserving strategic routes and direct connectivity with major international destinations”.
Government assured that “concerns” of Marcelo would be addressed
It is also noteworthy that the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, stated on Thursday that the government took care to ensure that the “concerns” of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, regarding the TAP reprivatization process would be addressed.
“It was the government’s concern to ensure that these concerns were addressed. […] We believe we have no issues from that point of view. Common sense is what’s needed from all parties today, because TAP has been through ups and downs. It has been public, privatized, even before April 25, then nationalized… Enough. Both for workers, for the Portuguese, for the country, and for potential investors. It’s necessary to call parties that support TAP’s privatization and create a sustainable platform,” said Miguel Pinto Luz in an interview with RTP.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing indicated that Luís Montenegro’s administration sought to ensure that the “concerns” of the President regarding the TAP reprivatization process would be addressed to avoid a scenario similar to that of October 2023.
Daniela Filipe | 23:21 – 10/07/2025
