Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr publicly reaffirmed the group’s very strong interest in acquiring a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, declaring readiness to take over management today if the Portuguese government wishes. This assertion intensifies the bidding war against Air France-KLM, with both parties submitting non-binding offers in April 2026 for the 44.9% stake valued at up to €700 million. Spohr emphasized Lufthansa as the right partner capable of immediate operational integration, while the government rates both bids as largely equivalent financially and content-wise. Binding offers must be submitted by end of July 2026, with a partner decision expected in September 2026. The deal includes immediate co-determination rights and a €309 million investment in a new 55,000-square-meter maintenance hub in Portugal, operations planned for 2028.