The EU is set to decide on the sale of ITA to Lufthansa within the next 10 days.

The decision on the sale of Ita a Lufthansa is expected to be made by the Author within the next 10 days. Trade unions in the sector met with the management of the former national airline on June 11 to discuss the transfer dossier and review the financial accounts. The accounts show promising data, with revenues increasing by 36% in the last 5 months and a cash situation exceeding 600 million euros.

Following the EU Parliament elections, discussions between parties continue, and a final decision seems imminent. One of the main points holding up the EU Antitrust’s approval of Lufthansa’s purchase of 41% of Ita Airways is the issue of routes from Fiumicino to the United States. The deadline for the EU’s decision is set for July 4th, and Ita Airways sees this date as crucial.

The exclusivity agreement with Lufthansa is set to expire at the end of June, but may be extended. A proposal sent by the Ministry of Economy and Finance to Brussels includes an increase in the number of slots Ita and Lufthansa are willing to cede to other companies at Italian airports. Low-cost carriers like EasyJet, Ryanair, and WizzAir may be interested in acquiring these slots.

The national coordinator of Filt Cgil, Fabrizio Cuscito, highlights the positive state of Ita Airways and the need for investments, new routes, and an increase in long-haul aircraft. The decision on the Ita-Lufthansa deal is expected within the next few days, as confirmed by Uiltrasporti. The unions hope for the EU’s approval for the operation for the benefit of the company, its workers, and European citizens. If approval is not granted, the Italian government may need to intervene to find alternative solutions quickly.