The European Commission gave its approval to the package of remedies proposed by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Lufthansa for the entry of the German group into Ita Airways. According to what was reported by Corriere della Sera, the decision has yet to be formalized in writing.
Brussels is only waiting for the final document with the sacrifices made by the parties involved, but is satisfied with the preliminary version sent in recent days. The decision on the operation, expected for July 4, could be brought forward.
“I think we will get married, but anything can happen”, commented Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti on the sidelines of an event in Cremona. “The bride and the witnesses are summoned, but the Don Abbondio of the situation might not show up,” he jokes after months of intense negotiations and some friction on the Rome-Brussels axis. “I think that in the last few days we have worked very intensely, hard. Let’s say the date is set, the spouses and witnesses are summoned, but anything can happen.”
The remedies proposed by Mef and Lufthansa – the sources continue – are considered “good” because they respond to the concerns of the EU Antitrust on the three critical fronts that would arise after the merger: an excessive market share at Milan Linate airport , a monopoly situation on several short-haul routes (between Italy and Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium) and the reduction of competition on connections between Italy and North America.
Given the excessive presence at Milan Linate airport, progress is being made towards the sale of at least 15-17 pairs of slots (equivalent to 30-34 daily flights, in both directions), more than the 11 pairs that the entire group owns. Lufthansa.
On short-haul flights – sources explain – there will be competition on routes where the Ita-Lufthansa union would lead to a monopoly at least one airline that must be approved by the European Commission: all eyes are on easyJet. Not only that, the same airline will be able to open new connections.
Union reaction
“The news that is spreading about the EU approval for the acquisition of a stake in Ita, conditional on the application of some necessary measures to guarantee the correct balance of the market, is excellent news,” comments Anpac, the national association civil aviation professional.
“We have always believed that the association with the Lufthansa group was the best solution to guarantee the presence in Italy of a reference company that allows us to intercept incoming tourist flows and the mobility of citizens on a global level. “Now it is about completing the industrial plan, maximizing development and employment levels.”
