Quantcast

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

Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
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

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025