International Airlines Group chief executive Willie Walsh has confirmed his desire to incorporate Air Portugal (TAP) into IAG with British Airways and Iberia. TAP is expected to be auctioned off in September.
He told the Daily Telegraph: "TAP being sold is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The timing is not great. The markets are in turmoil at the moment. But I still believe that it’s worthwhile us taking a close look at the TAP."
"They have a great network. They fly to eight cities in Brazil. They are the number one carrier between Europe and Brazil. There is enough there to justify us taking a look at TAP."
Walsh also confirmed that he believed Latin American carrier LAN will remain within the oneworld Alliance when its merger with Brazil’s TAM is completed and will not join Star Alliance, which TAM is a member.
For now however Walsh expects LAN and TAM to remain in the separate alliances but longer term they will need to choose one to belong to, which oneworld is the better fit, he said.