The wedding of the year is done. The technicians of the European Competition Commission, led by Margrethe Vestager, have officially approved the sale of 41% of the national carrier ITA Airways to the German aviation group Lufthansa, which has put 325 million euros on the table through a capital increase . A green light conditioned on "compliance with the corrective measures" proposed by the two partners and accepted by Brussels.

But what does the concessions package agreed with the European Union include? First of all, the transfer of airport slots at the Milan-Linate airport to a competitor airline which will operate short-haul flights between Italy and the national markets of the air carriers controlled by the Lufthansa Group (Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings).

Further sales concern long-haul routes from Rome-Fiumicino airports (between 15 and 17 airport slots put back on the market) to North America, while further feeder flights from Rome to the hubs of European competitors will guarantee greater competition. The Rome airport will also offer ideal conditions to expand the joint ITA-Lufthansa route network towards Africa and Latin America.

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