The European Commission has postponed its review deadline of Lufthansa Group’s improved concessions for its bid to acquire a 41pc stake in Italy’s ITA Airways to July 4.
Lufthansa’s revised package addresses the Commission’s concerns regarding short- and long-haul flights and concentration at Milan Linate airport, with details not disclosed.
The latest concessions involve agreements with easyJet and Volotea for short-haul connections between Milan airports and central Europe to ensure competition, including giving up slot pairs and allowing aircraft bases.
Specific arrangements include selling slot pairs at Rome Fiumicino, agreements to ensure service for at least three years, plans for ITA’s inclusion in Lufthansa’s transatlantic joint venture, and efforts to address competition concerns with other rival airlines.
Italy’s economy minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, said: “I am confident the Commission would approve Lufthansa’s bid. Otherwise I would not be doing this job. Let’s hope the referee will not make any mistakes.”
