EC pours cold water on Lufthansa-Ita merger

BTN News
Thursday, 28 March 2024

The European Commission (EC) has told Germany-based Lufthansa Group and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance it objects to the proposed merger between Lufthansa and Ita Airways, saying the deal would restrict competition on specific short-haul routes into and out of Italy as well as long-haul flights between Italy and the United States, Canada and Japan.


The Commission cited information provided by the merger parties as well as information and views from competing airlines, airports, slot coordinators and travellers for its ruling.

In response, Lufthansa Group said it will analyse the conclusions presented by the Commission and work with the EC constructively.
Lufthansa also said it would submit remedies (to the EC) to address concerns and said it believed competition in Europe would be strengthened once Ita Airways joined the Lufthansa Group.

“As part of our multi-hub and multi-brand structure, Ita Airways will benefit from the same synergies that made Swiss, Austrian Airlines or Brussels Airlines successful. The Lufthansa Group's participation in Ita Airways creates added value for both partners through the combination of our brands and business models, as well as through the interaction of our hubs and different route networks,” Lufthansa said.

EC pours cold water on Lufthansa-Ita merger

BTN News
Thursday, 28 March 2024

The European Commission (EC) has told Germany-based Lufthansa Group and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance it objects to the proposed merger between Lufthansa and Ita Airways, saying the deal would restrict competition on specific short-haul routes into and out of Italy as well as long-haul flights between Italy and the United States, Canada and Japan.


The Commission cited information provided by the merger parties as well as information and views from competing airlines, airports, slot coordinators and travellers for its ruling.

In response, Lufthansa Group said it will analyse the conclusions presented by the Commission and work with the EC constructively.
Lufthansa also said it would submit remedies (to the EC) to address concerns and said it believed competition in Europe would be strengthened once Ita Airways joined the Lufthansa Group.

“As part of our multi-hub and multi-brand structure, Ita Airways will benefit from the same synergies that made Swiss, Austrian Airlines or Brussels Airlines successful. The Lufthansa Group's participation in Ita Airways creates added value for both partners through the combination of our brands and business models, as well as through the interaction of our hubs and different route networks,” Lufthansa said.