The tender specifications for the privatisation of Portugal’s airline company TAP will be up for cabinet approval in the first half of this year, said Sérgio Monteiro, Secretary of State for Public Works, Transport and Communications, Thursday.

“This document is already being drafted by the government and will be approved by the end of June,” Monteiro told journalists before adding that the sell-off of airport management company ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal would take place in the second half of the year.

The secretary of state added there was already “a list” of parties interested in taking the deal forward.

Monteiro was speaking in the wake of comments made by Fernando Pinto, the airliner’s executive president.

Pinto stated that not only had the government already put a price on the company but also that he expected TAP to turn in a profit in 2012.