The President of PS-Madeira met today with representatives of the Air France KLM group, which is among the companies seeking a stake in TAP – Air Portugal. The group has already submitted a non-binding offer for a minority share as part of the airline’s privatisation process. The Portuguese Government plans to sell between 44.9% and 49.9% while retaining majority control. Air France is one of the two final bidders, alongside the Lufthansa group. Célia Pessegueiro welcomed the company’s willingness to hear from regional partners and explain its plans for the flagship airline. The meeting focused on service for residents, Madeira’s insular reality, and the Region’s dependence on air transport. She also stressed the need to increase flight frequency to Madeira, a point the company said it understands well through its experience with France’s most outermost regions. Another key issue was TAP’s public service obligations, which she said are essential because air travel is the only passenger link between Madeira, Porto Santo, and the outside world.
