Negotiations between Lufthansa and ITA Airways advanced in recent weeks, after a publication on the possibility of purchasing part of the Italian airline.
According to industry sources, confirmed to the Italian newspaper Il Foglio that Lufthansa may close the acquisition of 40% of ITA Airways in the coming weeks, confirming the interest of the German airline in a higher percentage of the airline. The other 60% of the controlling shares remain in the hands of the Italian Government.
The arrival of Lufthansa in control of the airline could also result in good profitability, something that ITA Airways, even with all the team change in relation to Alitalia, has not been able to achieve so far.
On the other hand, Lufthansa is interested in using Rome as another hub for operations in Europe, connecting Fiumicino with other airlines in the group in several countries.
For the time being, there are no further details on the amount invested in the purchase of 40% of ITA, much less on additional investments by Lufthansa in the fleet of the new Italian airline. The participation price is still under negotiation.
ITA Airways has 3 of the 11.000 employees that were previously part of Alitalia. With aircraft from Alitalia, the company's fleet is composed exclusively by Airbus jets, 44 of which aircraft models A319, A320 and A330.
The company recently signed an agreement for the acquisition of dozens of modern A350-900, A330neo, A320neo and A220 aircraft.
