[transtraxman]

-David Neeleman, later founder and owner of Breeze Airways, was a member of the consortium which held a 45% stake in the previously privatised TAP. he defended himself against allegations by the ruling Socialist Party of worsening the financial prospects of TAP.
“Debate on TAP Portugal’s partial re-privatisation gets ugly”, (31-10-22, ch-aviation)

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/120894-debate-on-tap-portugals-partial-re-privatisation-gets-ugly

-This is in addition to the interest in buying TAP from Air France/KLM.
“Air France-KLM is interested in Portuguese airline TAP,” (30-10-22, Aviation24.be)

Air France-KLM is interested in Portuguese airline TAP

… this is quite logical as AF/KLM has been looking to strengthen its links to South America withe the take-over of Air Europa. This looks to have fallen through as IAG has been trying to buy the airline for three years now, though it has been able to build up a stake of 20% in the airline.

-The same was also reported in Simple Flying 28-10-22
“Air France-KLM Group Is Interested In Stake Of TAP Air Portugal

https://simpleflying.com/air-france-klm-group-is-interested-in-stake-of-tap-air-portugal/

…but this article also mentions the interest of Lufthansa in purchasing TAP, since they are both members of Star Alliance.

-and on to the floor steps IAG with an apparent interest in buying TAP.
“IAG may possibly purchase easyJet and/or TAP,” (31-10-22 Aviation24.be)

IAG may possibly purchase easyJet and/or TAP

…Both these seem unlikely results since both would raise serious competition questions, but for differing reasons.The European competition authorities would not permit IAG to have both Air Europa and TAP. It would have to be one or the other.
This poster is certain that both the British and European competition authorities would oppose the purchase of Easyjet by IAG (or at least with under strong weakening conditions) to make it unviable.

IAG should not waste its time in trying to cover its back yet again in its own backyard. it should look to other horizons within Europe where it is seriously weak. Then there would be fewer objections to expansion. We all see the need for consolidation of the European Air transport industry, but not where it is not needed.

[GBAIR72]

TAP would make a lot of sense for IAG to consolidate its position in South America. It would also expand oneworlds coverage after LATAM left. There is hardly any overlap with IAG carriers

EasyJet would be difficult one. Ironic after BA let GBAirways and GO taken over by EasyJet.

[AMcWhirter]

In an interview with CNN Richard Quest a couple of months ago CEO Christine Ourmieres-Widener (previously CEO of Flybe Mark 1) admitted that TAP was facing “headwinds.”

The short video is available on Youtube.

The CEO told Richard Quest, “We are facing a recovery that is challenging.

“We have a plan to make a profitable and sustainable business by 2025.

“Our costs are increasing because of the war in Ukraine.

“All these external factors are headwinds for us.

“So far we are on track with our plans.”

“So far these [external factors] have not derailed our plans.

[Author]

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