Lufthansa and ITA Airways: An Acquisition in Sight
Lufthansa is optimistic about the European Union’s approval of the “remedy” package presented for the acquisition of 41% of ITA Airways. The German airline expressed this confidence after intense negotiations with the Ministry of Economics, culminating in the November 11 deadline.
Agreement Details
Sources close to the negotiations reveal that Lufthansa has decided to waive the price update clause, a measure that would have entailed a recalculation of the value of the ITA Airways asset, estimated to fluctuate around 100 million euros.
Fit-Cisl welcomed the news, stressing the importance of a definitive agreement between the two companies. The union organization expressed its expectation for a constructive dialogue with the new management and its intention to inform the union about the objectives of the industrial plan.
Fit-Cisl also hoped that the plan would include a strategy aimed at consolidating the current situation, with new investments to expand the fleet and improve the commercial offer. This is particularly relevant at a time when the Italian aviation sector is experiencing a significant growth trend.
Future Prospects
The agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Lufthansa was finalized at the last minute, respecting the deadline for sending the documentation to Brussels. Now, they confidently await the approval of the European Commission, which may not bring any negative surprises.
The importance of developing the commercial network is crucial to guarantee and increase employment levels. Fit-Cisl emphasizes the need for new hires, giving priority to professionals on redundancy pay. Other companies such as EasyJet are also involved in the current competitive dynamic, as they could acquire slots sold by ITA and Lufthansa.
In conclusion, while Lufthansa aims to consolidate its position in the European market through this strategic acquisition, the future of the Italian aviation sector seems promising, supported by fruitful investments and collaborations.