Menzies Portugal/SPdH, formerly Groundforce now 100% controlled by Menzies, has lost the commercial contract with Air France/KLM for providing handling services (ground handling and cargo) in Portugal, with Portway signing a contract to provide this service. Sector sources express surprise at the decision, considering that SPdH has always been the benchmark for handling in Portugal and that never, in nearly 25 years, has a client of this importance moved to Portway. The same source suggests that the decision may be related to price increases by Menzies and an alleged service degradation, although it was not possible to confirm with Air France/KLM.
The change in handling operator gains relevance in the context of TAP Air Portugal's privatization process, which is in its final phase. Air France/KLM is one of the two candidates for purchasing 49.9% of the Portuguese company's capital, with overall valuations estimated between 1.4 and 2 billion euros. The Council of Ministers is expected to make the final decision in early September 2026, after the two international groups submitted their final proposals at the end of July 2026.
The Government defined a set of specifications with various evaluation parameters, including the guarantee that Lisbon Airport remains TAP's operational base, a robust industrial plan with fleet growth and increased employment in Portugal, as well as investments in airport infrastructure and ecological modernization. Lufthansa's and Air France/KLM's strategic plans are considered equivalent, so the final price gained decisive weight in the tiebreaker.
TAP holds the status of Europe's main air link to South America, making it highly coveted. If Lufthansa wins, it adds its 9% to TAP's 11% and becomes the EU-South America market leader with 20%. If Air France/KLM acquires TAP, it raises their combined share to 28%, crushing IAG group competition. The Franco-Dutch proposal also has Delta Airlines' strategic support for North Atlantic routes.
