Quantcast

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

Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
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

Air India has announced the resumption of its operations from Bangkok, maintaining its schedule following a devastating earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life.

Apr 4, 2025

Lufthansa has announced the launch of codeshare flights with ITA Airways, expanding travel options across more than 100 European routes.

Apr 4, 2025

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the addition of six new destinations to its 2025 flight schedule.

Apr 4, 2025

Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly significant in the aviation sector, affecting economic savings and environmental impacts.

Apr 4, 2025

The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aviation, is notable for its performance and versatility, combining capabilities often seen in larger aircraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.

Apr 4, 2025