News

FlightGlobal • David Kaminski-Morrow

Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa submit non‑binding bids for minority stake in TAP as IAG withdraws

Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa Group each submitted non‑binding offers for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal by the April 2 government deadline, triggering an evaluation by state holding company Parpublica. British Airways owner IAG declined to participate, leaving two bidders in the privatization process.

2026-04-02T03:50:49.507519-07:00

ch-aviation

Lufthansa targets mid-2026 or mid-2027 to gain control of ITA Airways

2026-04-02T06:39:17.257215-07:00

Payload

Phantom Space acquires Thermal Management Technologies to boost in‑house satellite thermal capabilities

2026-04-02T06:05:45.363132-07:00

Financial Times

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar for $9bn to accelerate Kuiper and challenge Starlink

2026-04-01T15:59:54.708108-07:00

News Timeline

ch-aviation

❗️

Lufthansa targets mid-2026 or mid-2027 to gain control of ITA Airways Lufthansa is targeting mid‑2026 or mid‑2027 to gain control of ITA Airways, establishing a timeline for acquisition and operational integration. The timetable comes as ITA has been folded into group systems—including alliance membership and frequent‑flyer migration—and will shape near‑term fleet and network planning.

2026-04-02T06:39:17.257215-07:00

Lufthansa targets mid-2026 or mid-2027 to gain control of ITA Airways

Payload

❗️

Phantom Space acquires Thermal Management Technologies to boost in‑house satellite thermal capabilities Phantom Space has acquired Thermal Management Technologies, a specialist in advanced satellite thermal components, to bring thermal design and hardware production in‑house. The deal aims to accelerate Phantom's satellite development and production by internalising thermal control expertise and reducing supplier reliance.

2026-04-02T06:05:45.363132-07:00

Phantom Space acquires Thermal Management Technologies to boost in‑house satellite thermal capabilities

FlightGlobal

❗️

Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa submit non‑binding bids for minority stake in TAP as IAG withdraws Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa Group each submitted non‑binding offers for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal by the April 2 government deadline, triggering an evaluation by state holding company Parpublica. British Airways owner IAG declined to participate, leaving two bidders in the privatization process.

2026-04-02T03:50:49.507519-07:00

Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa submit non‑binding bids for minority stake in TAP as IAG withdraws

Financial Times

❗️

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar for $9bn to accelerate Kuiper and challenge Starlink Amazon is in talks to buy Globalstar for about $9 billion, seeking to jump‑start its Kuiper LEO broadband effort and close the gap with SpaceX's Starlink. Globalstar — roughly 180 satellites in orbit (~1,414 km) and a 20% stake held by Apple after iPhone SOS integration — adds spectrum, gateways and regulatory weight.

2026-04-01T15:59:54.708108-07:00

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar for $9bn to accelerate Kuiper and challenge Starlink

Reuters

❗️

SpaceX files for IPO to bankroll orbital AI data‑centres in potential record offering SpaceX has filed preliminary IPO paperwork to raise public capital for a push into space‑based AI, seeking funds to deploy up to 1 million solar‑powered orbital data‑center satellites. The blockbuster listing would likely rank among the largest IPOs ever and could lift the company into trillion‑dollar valuation territory.

2026-04-01T12:00:31.172067-07:00

SpaceX files for IPO to bankroll orbital AI data‑centres in potential record offering

ch-aviation

❗️

Icelandair signs LOI for 49% stake in Malta's PLAY Europe to secure EU AOC Icelandair has signed a letter of intent to acquire a 49% stake in PLAY Europe, a Malta-based carrier holding a Maltese AOC. The minority purchase aims to secure an EU operator certificate, broaden Icelandair’s operational flexibility across Europe and enable new charter and commercial opportunities.

2026-04-01T07:59:35.828457-07:00

Icelandair signs LOI for 49% stake in Malta's PLAY Europe to secure EU AOC

Reuters

Arcline withdraws from Senior Plc takeover; rival bidders remain in talks Arcline Investment Management withdrew its bid for UK aerospace and defence supplier Senior Plc on Wednesday, narrowing the field of potential buyers. Negotiations with other rival suitors are ongoing, leaving the outcome of the proposed buyout unsettled as bidders reassess their positions.

2026-04-01T02:45:25.380321-07:00

Arcline withdraws from Senior Plc takeover; rival bidders remain in talks

Reuters

❗️

SpaceX lines up 21-bank underwriting syndicate for potential mega IPO — 'Project Apex' SpaceX has assembled a 21-bank underwriting syndicate, code‑named Project Apex, to prepare a potential mega initial public offering — one of the largest underwriting groups seen in recent years. The move marks a clear push toward public markets and has prompted analysis of broader effects on commercial-space capital and valuations.

2026-03-31T18:11:03.248240-07:00

SpaceX lines up 21-bank underwriting syndicate for potential mega IPO — 'Project Apex'

Menu

M&A News

Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa submit non‑binding bids for minority stake in TAP as IAG withdraws

Lufthansa targets mid-2026 or mid-2027 to gain control of ITA Airways

Phantom Space acquires Thermal Management Technologies to boost in‑house satellite thermal capabilities

Amazon in talks to buy Globalstar for $9bn to accelerate Kuiper and challenge Starlink

News Timeline