The “green light” was given by European Commission for purchase of the Italian airline Ita (which was created after the closure of the historic Alitala) from Lufthansa.
The agreement, according to the Italian press, should contain conditions in favor of preserving free competition in access to Milan’s Linate airport, Itaú flights in Europe and air connections between Rome’s Fiumicino airport and North America with “opening” to new flights from other companies.
The final agreement by November
The final agreement is expected to be signed next November and in a first phasethe german airline company will guarantee 41% of Itaú from the Ministry of Finance of Romewith a capital increase of 325 million euros. In a second level, within 2033, Lufthansa will acquire 100% of the shares of the Italian airline, created in 2020, for 829 million euros.
“This is an Italian, German and European success, achieved after tough negotiations,” said Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. “May this positive agreement be signed with Lufthansa, this will allow us to increase air connectionsto and from Italy and to develop the economy of our country. Rome will become the main reference point for air links with America and Africa,” added the Italian minister.
Source: AMPE