Lufthansa considering bid for Portuguese carrier TAP

If Germany’s national carrier finally has its way, then Lufthansa flights to Latin America will become a possibility.  Lufthansa’s owner Deutsche Lufthansa AG has indicated that it is considering a bid for the state-owned Portuguese carrier TAP SGPS SA.

Lufthansa in a statement said that it wants to strengthen its position in South America and safeguard its partnership with a key member of the Star Alliance.

The Government of Portugal has indicated that it is ready to sell TAP this year. The Portuguese government is planning to raise funds and comply with the terms of a 78 billion Euro bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

Christoph Meier, a Lufthansa spokesman, said that the airline will always welcome those approaching it, especially it’s a Star carrier. The airline will also be definitely looking at TAP, he said.