Quantcast

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

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
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

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

UNI Global Union's U.S. affiliate, SEIU, is staging protests across the country against the detention of immigrant workers, including SEIU members.

Apr 18, 2025

An international delegation was barred from entering an Elanders/Bergen Logistics distribution center in New Jersey.

Apr 18, 2025

UNI Global Union affiliate, Communication Workers’ Union of Kenya (COWU Kenya), and Teleperformance have reached a local implementation agreement in Kenya.

Apr 18, 2025