The recent development regarding the alliance between Ita Airways and Lufthansa has taken airline industry observers by surprise. The final package containing the details of the agreement has not been delivered as expected, leaving approval by European authorities pending. This unexpected development could have significant repercussions on the future of the Italian airline and its integration into the European market.
According to European sources, the blockage occurred overnight, when the lack of a final signature by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) emerged. The documents prepared for Brussels already included the signatures of both airlines involved, as well as those of competing carriers such as easyJet, Air France and IAG, all of which are part of the airport slot negotiations. Lufthansa has confirmed its willingness to honor the agreement signed in 2023 with the Italian government to acquire a 41% stake in Ita Airways. In addition, the German airline announced that it has completed the necessary corrective measures within the established deadlines.
According to some sources, Lufthansa proposed to revise downwards the total amount of the agreement, initially set at 829 million euros. However, representatives of the Italian Treasury rejected this request.
The negotiations between Ita and Lufthansa, now at loggerheads, are focused on contractual issues regarding the amount to be paid following the first capital increase reserved for the German company. This stalemate could further slow down the integration process and increase uncertainty about future strategies for Ita Airways. The approval of the agreement is not only a step forward for the two companies, but also has broader implications for the European airline market. The possibility of this alliance being called into question raises questions about the competitiveness and economic sustainability of airlines in a post-pandemic environment. With the current situation still evolving, it is essential to monitor future developments to understand how this alliance will impact the European aviation landscape and what strategies Ita and Lufthansa will adopt to overcome this obstacle.
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