Lufthansa Greenlights ITA Airways’ Future with 41% Acquisition and Potential Full Takeover

ITA Airways, a three-year-old airline that has been working to overcome the troubled history of Alitalia, has been reassured by Lufthansa about its financial health. On Friday, the EU approved the German carrier’s acquisition of 41% of the Italian airline.

Lufthansa plans to evaluate ITA’s financial situation over the next two years before considering a complete takeover. CEO Carsten Spohr expressed optimism about the economic feasibility of the acquisition. After more than a year of seeking approval from the European Commission, Lufthansa agreed to certain concessions, the details of which are still being examined.

Spohr believes that ITA’s operating costs will continue to improve and is not overly concerned with the airline’s leasing debt. He mentioned in interviews with Italian media that Lufthansa could potentially increase its stake in ITA to 90% as early as next year. The process of the acquisition and potential full takeover is still in progress, with both companies working towards a successful partnership in the future.