EU Clears Remedy Takers for Lufthansa-ITA Airways Deal
The European Commission has approved easyJet, IAG, and Air France-KLM as remedy takers in the Lufthansa-ITA Airways acquisition, finalizing the regulatory process for Lufthansa’s 41% stake in Italy’s flag carrier. The implementation is expected by mid-January 2025, according to Corriere della Sera.
Under the agreement, easyJet will gain short-haul routes between Rome, Milan, and select European destinations, along with slots at Milan Linate surrendered by ITA Airways. To support these operations, Lufthansa and ITA will enter a prorate agreement with easyJet, enabling connections to secondary Italian airports via Milan.
In Summer 2025, easyJet plans to establish bases at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, deploying five aircraft at Linate and three at Fiumicino, three of which will be wet-leased from ITA Airways. EasyJet currently operates bases at Milan Malpensa and Naples.
IAG and Air France-KLM will manage long-haul routes between Italy and North America, focusing on interline agreements and slot swaps, without introducing direct transatlantic flights.
The selection of remedy takers fulfills the EU’s conditions for the Lufthansa-ITA deal outlined in July 2024. This paves the way for Lufthansa Group and Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance to proceed with the transaction.
Additionally, Lufthansa plans to expand the role of its Italian unit, Air Dolomiti, and explore a strategic agreement with SkyAlps for regional feeder traffic, contingent on the latter’s IOSA certification.
This development marks a significant milestone in Lufthansa’s expansion strategy in Southern Europe.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com