The Lufthansa aviation group is trying to speed up the process and put pressure on Brussels to give the green light on the privatization of the national carrier ITA Airways. The Italian Government supports the German move to guarantee the long-term well-being of the national company, which has long represented a burden for taxpayers, because the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is the sole shareholder.

The Lufthansa company has offered some concessions (remedies) to the European Competition Commission, to respond to regulators' concerns regarding the merger between the two airlines, which could lead to an alteration in the balance of the air transport market in the Old Continent, as ITA-Lufthansa could form a monopoly on some routes and airports.

Lufthansa plans to invest 325 million euros to acquire a 41% stake through a capital increase in the airline. For its part, the Italian Government will contribute another 250 million euros. In subsequent years, as provided for in the agreement with the Mef, the Germans will also have the possibility of acquiring the remaining 69% of ITA. Italy and Germany are pushing for Brussels to give the green light as early as January, but Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti had announced that the decision could only arrive in May.

On the topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.