(Boursier.com) — Air France KLM is trending well at the start of the session, up 1.5% to 12.4 euros. While ‘Les Echos’ affirmed that the government had abandoned the idea of an increase in the “ecotax” on plane tickets, Clément Beaune, the Minister of Transport, indicated on ‘France Info’ that “the Discussions are continuing since the finance bill will be presented next week. Taxing airports or plane tickets are options under study, the minister said.
On a completely different subject, the Portuguese government will approve next week the legal framework for the privatization of the airline TAP, thus kicking off the sale after a few months of delay, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Tuesday. The government has said it intends to retain a strategic stake in the carrier, which is undergoing restructuring as part of a 3.2 billion euro bailout approved by the EU.
At least three major players – IAG, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM – have so far expressed interest in TAP. “I can confirm that next week the cabinet will approve the document that will establish the (legal) framework for the privatization of TAP, defending the company and the interests of Portugal and the Portuguese,” said A.Costa. The privatization process, which was initially expected to begin in July, will take months and is not expected to be completed until next year.
TAP recorded a net profit of 23 million euros in the first half, compared to a loss of 202 million a year earlier thanks to strong growth in its turnover. The company transported 7.58 million people in the first half of 2023, an increase of 30% compared to a year ago.
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