IATA CEO criticises 'instability' created by TAP privatisation suspension

IATA CEO Tony Tyler criticsed the Portuguese Government's decision to suspend the privatisation of TAP Portugal as creating "instability", and said, "We would like to see more certainty for TAP" (Publico/Dinhero Vivo, 03-Jun-2013). Mr Tyler said Synergy Group owner and Avianca's largest shareholder German Efromovich was a "good buyer" and he had "high hopes" the deal would go through considering the "many synergies" that would have been created. As previously reported by CAPA, Mr Efromovich stated his interest in acquiring the carrier remains, with Lufthansa VP of operations for Europe Göttz Ahmelmann also encouraging a renewed bid from the fellow Star Alliance member. Mr Efromovich's previous attempt to acquire the carrier failed in late 2012 due to insufficient financial guarantees.