Cutting remark against Brussels, but optimism remains. These are the feelings that reign among the managers of the German national carrier Lufthansa and within the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), sole shareholder of the airline ITA Airways. The two companies are awaiting the green light from Brussels for the wedding. The European Competition Commission will deliver its final verdict by 4 July.

"In my opinion it should have closed six months ago. Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow. As soon as possible because we need to understand what the future of ITA could be. It is in the interest of ITA, Lufthansa, of consumers, of Europe so that it has a great continental competitor. We are waiting for the commission's decision, they are the referees, they are reviewing the VAR and then they will decide", is the comment of the Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Giancarlo Giorgetti. 

Meanwhile, in recent days the CEO of Lufthansa, Carsten Spohr, had renewed his optimism: "It is realistic to have some indications" and arrive at "a solution this week". "We are in a very constructive phase of the dialogue and therefore I will consider this the final phase of a constructive dialogue process", he said at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) in Dubai (2-4 June). 

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