Iberiaafter his failed attempt to buy Air Europahas shown interest in buying the Portuguese airline TAP. A movement that comes precisely when the maneuvers made in Brussels to favor Air France in the dispute over the purchase of the airline owned by Globalia.
According to sources familiar with the situation, it says The Digital Confidential, France has reportedly persuaded the EU, with the support of Germany, of the danger that a merger between the two Spanish airlines would pose to the market. Instead of this operation, Brussels is said to be promoting a cross-border acquisition, like that of Air France and Air Europa.
France’s plan to ensure that Air France I bought the Spanish one Air Europa is based on the position of the European Commission, which advocates the creation of “pan-European champions” for the airline sector instead of “national champions” as was the case with the union with Iberia. Brussels’ idea is reinforced by the recent acquisition of ITA Airways by part of Lufthansaa move that left the French airline in an advantageous position to bid for the Spanish airline.
IAG’s own CEO, Luis Gallego, has assured that TAP could be an interesting option for the group after the failure of the merger with Air EuropaHowever, the top brass of the British-Spanish airline holding company has warned that the merger Air France-KLM with the company owned by Globalia, It would be a catastrophe for the sector, as it would allow the European giant to dominate routes between Europe and Latin America, a key market for Iberia.
The role that the French government has played in favor of Air France This is not new. During the pandemic, Emmanuel Macron came to the rescue of the airline with an injection of 10 billion euros and, now, France has intensified its lobbying in Brussels to question the “Spanishness” of Iberia after Brexit, a tactic that would facilitate the purchase of Air Europa. With the withdrawal of Iberia Following the acquisition process, the airline would focus on consolidating its position in other markets, although there is concern regarding the possibility of the French firm entering Latin America from Paris and Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Globaliaowner of Air Europainsists that the airline is viable and has a sustainable future, despite the challenges presented by the market and delays in the delivery of new aircraft. After receiving a loan from SEPI during the pandemic, the company hopes to close this year with sufficient profits to meet its financial commitments.
