"If [a minority position] aligns with our objectives, if it makes sense financially, yes, it could be interesting," said the group's executive chairman (CEO), Ben Smith.

The issue came following the European Commission's announcement that it considers that Lufthansa's proposed acquisition of 40% of ITA could harm competition "on some routes" and lead to "higher prices for consumers and a decrease in the quality of service".

In the case of the reprivatisation of TAP, asked whether moving towards the purchase of a minority position would be a way to avoid an investigation by the European Commission into the deal, Ben Smith said that the group wants to understand the conditions of the Portuguese Government.

"It would be very speculative for us to give a position today when we are not sure what the Government is looking for", he said, also adding that if the deal adds risk to the group's objectives, they will not move forward or only move forward "with caution".

The executive president also said that there have not yet been conversations with the new Government led by Luís Montenegro and that, "when the opportunity arises" and "if it makes sense", they will do so.

The three major European aviation groups - Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, and IAG – have expressed interest in the TAP business, after the previous Government announced, on September 28, its intention to sell at least 51% of TAP's capital. , reserving up to 5% for workers, and wanting to approve the privatization specifications by the end of last year, or "at the latest" at the beginning of 2024.