Quantcast

Lufthansa Group advances merger talks with Italy's MEF for ITA Airways

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Lufthansa Group advances merger talks with Italy's MEF for ITA Airways
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Lufthansa Group and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) have reached an agreement to proceed with the initial phase of merging with ITA Airways, a company owned by MEF. On November 11, both parties submitted their proposed remedies to the European Commission (EC) concerning Lufthansa's acquisition of an initial stake in ITA Airways.

The MEF stated that "the final approval of the European Commission is confidently awaited in order to proceed with the closing of the transaction. The economic conditions envisaged have not changed with respect to the agreement already signed."

Lufthansa Group confirmed that it had submitted the remedy package alongside MEF, expecting approval from the EU Commission soon. According to Lufthansa, "the submission was done jointly with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in due time on 11 November 2024. Lufthansa Group is confident that the EU Commission will approve the remedy package within the upcoming weeks."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The EC had previously noted that without this transaction, ITA Airways' ability to operate independently was uncertain. To address competition concerns, Lufthansa and MEF agreed on several remedies: allowing rival carriers non-stop flights between Rome and Milan as well as certain Central European airports; improving competitive conditions on transatlantic routes; and relinquishing slots at Milan Linate Airport.

Earlier reports suggested potential issues over pricing could jeopardize the merger. The MEF reportedly refused any reduction in price for its 41% stake in ITA Airways, valued at €325 million ($345.1 million), along with a planned capital injection of €250 million ($265.5 million).

As part of its multi-hub strategy, Lufthansa aims to integrate ITA Airways into its network model, adding Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport as another hub alongside existing ones like Frankfurt and Munich.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group, mentioned during a Q3 earnings call that while they do not have access to ITA's financials due to EU regulations, "ITA Airways has been doing better" than expected according to their business plan.

Spohr concluded that once integrated, ITA would rank between Lufthansa’s best and worst airlines regarding profitability and margins.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group announced its April Sustainability Report, highlighting new plastic-free office initiatives, distribution of reusable water bottles to employees, support for Earth Day reforestation efforts, and a broader push to promote...

Apr 22, 2025

Emirates has announced a new partnership between its Skywards loyalty program and Emarat's EmCan program, allowing members to convert Skywards Miles into EmCoins and vice versa.

Apr 22, 2025

Viva Aerobus is enhancing its presence in the United States with new routes, including the launch of service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport, starting November 1.

Apr 22, 2025

Allegiant Air has launched a two-day sale offering up to 30% off select fares.

Apr 22, 2025

Airlines for America has expressed its support for the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) initiative to modernize the Notice to Air Missions system (NOTAM), emphasizing its significance in maintaining operational safety.

Apr 22, 2025

Airlines for America announced on X that it is promoting the 2025 joint ATA e-Business Forum & S1000D User Forum, scheduled for October 6–8 in Montreal, Canada.

Apr 21, 2025