Ita Airways and Lufthansa are close to finalizing their merger, with a decision expected within the next 10 days. The former national airline’s revenues have grown by 36% in the last 5 months, with a cash balance exceeding 600 million euros. However, one of the main sticking points preventing the green light from the EU Antitrust for the purchase of 41% of Ita Airways by Lufthansa is the issue of routes from Fiumicino to the United States.
Trade unions in the sector met with Ita Airways management on June 11 to discuss the transfer dossier and review the financial situation. The proposal sent by the Ministry of Economy and Finance to Brussels includes an increase in the number of slots that Ita and Lufthansa are willing to cede to other airlines at Italian airports. Low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Ryanair, and WizzAir are interested in acquiring these slots left free by the two companies.
The decision on whether or not to approve this operation is crucial for both companies, their workers, and European citizens. The national coordinator of Filt Cgil, Fabrizio Cuscito, highlights this need for investment in new routes, aircraft, and hiring while stressing that renewed wages and protections for workers should be part of any agreement between Ita Airways and Lufthansa.
The deadline for Brussels’ decision is set for July 4th; if it’s not favorable, Ita Airways may need to explore alternative solutions before extending its exclusivity agreement with Lufthansa as they approach their final decision.
