Lisbon, Aug. 1, 2025 (Lusa) - The International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes British Airways and Iberia, welcomed on Friday the launch of TAP's privatisation and said it believes the company could be successful within the group if the terms of the deal "are right".

“If the terms are right, we believe that TAP could succeed as part of IAG’s distinctive and proven model,” said a spokesperson for the group in a statement on its first-half results, welcoming the announcement of the launch of the privatisation process for TAP.

IAG, which includes British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus and Level, on Friday reported a profit of €1.3 billion through June, up 43.8% from €905 million a year earlier.

The group considered that its financial strength allows it to modernise its fleet, invest in new-generation aircraft and essential products, and lead the industry in the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

"The success of Aer Lingus since its integration into IAG in 2015 is a clear example of what can be achieved," the group said, highlighting that the Irish company "has strengthened its brand and more than doubled its long-haul capacity at its Dublin hub"’ now serving 20 destinations in North America, compared to four before joining the group.

Portugal's cabinet approved the decree-law defining the terms of the operation, formally initiating the process of reprivatising TAP on 10 July.

In the first phase, the state plans to sell up to 49.9% of the national airline's capital through direct sale, of which 5% will go to its employees.

In addition to IAG, the other two major European aviation groups, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM, had also expressed interest in the deal.

MPE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa