The European Commission has given final approval to Lufthansa’s acquisition of a minority stake in ITA Airways. This decision clears the path for creating Europe’s largest airline group.
The Italian Economy and Finance Ministry (MEF), Lufthansa, and ITA Airways submitted the final package of commitments on 11 November. After months of negotiations, the Commission deemed the package “coherent” with an agreement approved in July.
“We are satisfied with this new step; now we can go through the last mile,” Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Friday after the announcement.
Lufthansa welcomed the decision, calling it a significant milestone. The airline confirmed that the final closing of the agreement is expected in early 2025.
Long-Awaited Breakthrough in Talks
Earlier this month, the MEF and Lufthansa resolved a key issue that had delayed the merger. The Treasury confirmed the economic terms outlined in the 2023 contract had not changed. Following this breakthrough, the documents were signed and submitted to the European Commission for final approval.
Under the agreement reached last year, Lufthansa’s stake in ITA is 41%, provided through a €325 million capital increase. By 2033, this stake will rise to 100%, with a total investment of €829 million.
Implications for Competitors
The package approved on Friday also includes measures to ensure fair competition. EasyJet and Air France KLM will gain access to more routes as part of the commitments.
Owned by the MEF, ITA Airways was established in 2021 to replace the loss-making former flag carrier Alitalia. The partnership with Lufthansa is seen as a crucial step in ITA’s transformation and growth.
