Lufthansa along with United Airlines are in talks with TAP Portugal to acquire a stake in the airline.
TAP Portugal’s ownership is currently distributed like this:
- 50% owned by the Portuguese government
- 45% owned by Atlantic Gateway which is led by David Neeleman.
- 5% owned by employees.
Due to translations, this may be a bit innacurate:
Option 1: Lufthansa is currently interested in buying 50% of what David Neeleman controls in Atlantic Gateway.
Option 2: Lufthansa wants to acquire the entire Atlantic Gateway 45% stake in TAP Portugal.
“The negotiations between Neeleman and a major European airline for the sale of its position in TAP are very advanced. It is certain that they are not yet closed, but they are very advanced ”
If TAP is acquired by Lufthansa or if Lufthansa acquires a minority stake, this could easily advance TAP’s partnership with United Airlines, such as joining the transatlantic Joint Venture.
TAP is already a member of Star Alliance, which is the same alliance Lufthansa and United are in.