First green light from the European Commission to the deal between Ita and Lufthansa ahead of the official verdict to be formalized by July 4. The European Commission is thus about to say yes to the acquisition of 41% of Ita Airways (formerly Alitalia) by Lufthansa through an investment of 325 million euros, the first step in a broader operation that in Lufthansa's intentions envisages acquiring 90% at a later stage, eventually leading to total control of Ita Airways through a total investment estimated at 829 million euros. According to information gathered in Brussels, the two airlines have agreed to a reduction in their short- and medium-haul flights from Fiumicino and Linate. In parallel, Rome and Frankfurt will ask U.S. and Canadian regulators for Ita's entry into the A++ transatlantic joint venture that Lufthansa runs with United Airlines and Air Canada and that guarantees billions of euros in revenue each year. Ita will then have to move from the SkyTeam alliance (where it is today with Air France-Klm and Delta Air Lines) to the Star Alliance, co-founded by Lufthansa and in which the Germans are a major shareholder.
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