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TAP Air Portugal chairman of the board of directors Carlos Oliveira commented (14-Oct-2026) on Lufthansa Group's selection as TAP's future private shareholder and strategic partner by Portugal's Government, stating: "This decision opens new prospects for the company's future. Beyond the arrival of a new shareholder, it is essential to ensure that this partnership translates into concrete growth opportunities, a stronger and more competitive TAP, and the creation of value for Portugal". He added: "Important steps still lie ahead. Until the transaction is finalised, we will remain focused on our strategy, our customers, and our responsibilities toward the airline. We look to the future with confidence, ambition, and a sense of responsibility". [more - original PR - TAP Air Portugal - Spanish]

Lufthansa Group welcomed (14-Oct-2026) the selection of its offer in the privatisation process for TAP Air Portugal by Portugal's Government. Lufthansa offered a purchase price of EUR1.025 billion for a 44.9% stake. This amount could increase to up to EUR1.2 billion for the acquisition of a 49.9% stake - as up to 5% of shares will be initially offered to employees as well as a ticking fee. Lufthansa Group stated it is pursuing "a clear strategic agenda" to support TAP's growth "while preserving its national identity" and supporting growing connectivity, particularly with North America and Latin America. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr stated: "TAP Air Portugal is a strong and profitable airline, our long-standing partner in Star Alliance and internationally successful as a leading carrier on South Atlantic routes... This [decision] allows us to consistently pursue our internationalisation strategy and sustainably strengthen our position in the South Atlantic market". [more - original PR - Lufthansa] [more - original PR - TAP Air Portugal - Spanish] [more - Aviation Week]

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued (14-Oct-2026) a final determination granting authorisation to Qantas Airways and American Airlines in respect of their aviation alliance on trans-Pacific routes. Similar arrangements between the carriers have been authorised since 2011. ACCC granted authorisation for a five year period until 30-Oct-2031. The authorisation enables continued joint business operations between and within Australia and the US, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. [more - original PR]

Australia's Transport Workers' Union (TWU) announced (14-Oct-2026) "hundreds" of Certis security workers at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport plan to undertake strike action on 16-Oct-2026, calling for "more full-time jobs, fairer rostering and no cuts to part-time hours". The action is scheduled to take place from 06:00 to 10:00 and again from 17:00 to 21:00. [more - original PR]

Stats NZ reported (14-Oct-2026) the following tourism highlights for New Zealand for Aug-2026:

• Visitor arrivals: 248,714, +8.0% year-on-year;
  • Australia: 125,573, +4.9%;
  • China: 27,008, +31.6%;
  • US: 13,482, +17.3%;
  • Japan: 10,069, +6.4%;
  • Taiwan: 5845, +15.3%;
  • UK: 5700, -9.8%;
  • India: 5235, +0.4%;
  • Singapore: 4613, +10.4%. [more - original PR]

Drukair, via its official Twitter account, announced (12-Oct-2026) plans to operate Paro-Perth charter services in Oct/Nov/Dec-2026. The route is unserved at present, according to OAG.