I think you guys are mixing up two things. The quote:
Lauda said earlier he would look to work with an operating partner such
as Thomas Cook for functions previously provided by Air Berlin, such as ticket sales, crew planning and marketing.
...is about operational support by Thomas Cook (the airline), not about purchasing capacity on Laudamotion planes by Thomas Cook (the tour operator). Thomas Cook/Condor provides operational support to customers and that is what Laudamotion needs as previously airberlin took care of these matters.