The Portuguese government has selected Lufthansa Group over Air France-KLM to acquire a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal, alongside 5% allocated to employees. The transaction, valued at up to €1.2 billion, remains subject to regulatory and contractual clearances.
As part of its proposed industrial plan, Lufthansa outlines the transfer of up to eight Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft to TAP after 2030. The authorities did not specify whether these airframes would originate from Lufthansa's existing fleet or from future deliveries. The German airline group manages orders centrally and holds commitments for 75 A350 Family aircraft, including 15 A350-1000s, after signing for ten additional units in May 2026.
The investment project envisions growing TAP's fleet to 117 aircraft by 2035 and approximately 130 beyond that timeframe, supported by capital expenditures between €3 billion and €4 billion. TAP currently operates the Airbus A330-900 on long-haul routes, alongside the A321LR. Introducing the A350-900 would offer a range of roughly 15,000 km compared to 12,000 km for the A330-900, enabling potential non-stop services toward Asia or the US West Coast.
The proposal also includes integrating TAP into the transatlantic A++ joint venture with United Airlines and Air Canada, developing maintenance operations through Lufthansa Technik in Santa Maria da Feira, and expanding flights from Porto while preserving the Lisbon hub.
Why it matters for your training
The introduction of the Airbus A350 into TAP's fleet would create new type-rating opportunities and long-range route qualification prospects for line pilots within the expanded Lufthansa Group ecosystem.
