The information was given by the CEO of the Franco-Dutch aviation group during the press conference presenting the results of the 3rd quarter, released today.

“We will present our formal letter of expression of interest at the end of this month,” said CEO Benjamin Smith.

Those interested in purchasing the Portuguese carrier have until 4:59 PM on November 22 (continental Portugal time) to submit their declaration of interest and compliance with the admission criteria to Parpública, the manager of the State's holdings in public companies.

Asked if the group has been in contact with the Portuguese government or other authorities recently, the CEO said that “this has not happened to date.”

“We expect that [the expression of interest] will initiate an official process, in which we will begin to meet with key stakeholders, including the government,” he clarified.

Asked if, in his perspective, the sales process is going well, the CEO said it was “too early” to answer, noting that “in the next two months” he will be in a position to do so.