The formal process for the reprivatization of TAP took a significant step forward on Thursday, as the Council of Ministers approved the decree-law outlining the terms of the operation. Initially, the State aims to sell up to 49.9% of the national airline’s shares through direct sale.
The Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP) supports a complete privatization but views this initial step positively.
“The opening of this first phase of the reprivatization process for the Portuguese airline is positive. TAP is vital for the country and tourism and cannot continue to operate in isolation. On the contrary, TAP, integrated into one of the major international aviation platforms, could reduce costs and offer more competitive rates to attract more and better tourism,” stated Francisco Calheiros, president of the Confederation, in a statement.
The CTP emphasizes the necessity to ensure clear commitments with the sector and national connectivity in the contract.
“We will be very vigilant! There are basic demands that the country and tourism cannot forgo,” warned Francisco Calheiros.
Among these demands, the Confederation highlights the need to secure the Lisbon ‘hub’ (flight distribution platform) as well as special air connections to the autonomous regions and PALOP – Portuguese-Speaking African Countries. According to the CTP, these conditions are “essential” and should be safeguarded in the new management phase of the company.
In a statement on Thursday, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged the importance of these assurances, expressing hope that “the national airline can safeguard the ‘hub’ in Lisbon, ensure the utilization of all airport infrastructures in the country, particularly Humberto Delgado Airport today and Luís de Camões tomorrow (the new Lisbon airport), as well as Porto, Faro, and the airports in the autonomous regions.”
