Azul denies interest in TAP

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras has rejected claims in the international media that it is interested in the privatization of TAP Portugal. Last week, Portuguese Minister of the Economy, António Pires de Lima, disclosed that several parties had submitted Expressions of Interest to Lisbon for a 49% stake in the airline. Last year, CEO David Neeleman was reported to be in talks with Brazil’s national development bank, BNDES, to arrange financing to acquire a stake in the Portuguese national carrier, a claim Neeleman later denied. Alongside a non-binding proposal submitted by local tycoon, Miguel Pais do Amaral, in partnership with US