Alitalia, the first EU green light to union with Qatar – The XIX Century

 

Alitalia, the first green light to union with the EU Etihad

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Brussels – The “marriage” between the Alitalia and Qatar can be done also for the EU: the free way of ‘ European antitrust, the merger is now subject only to the opinion of the Directorate-General for Transport of the European Commission, responsible for ensuring that ownership and management remain in European hands. But it is an opinion that at this point should be obvious.

“We have said many times that Italy had respected all the way down the rules and parameters imposed by Brussels,” said Minister of Transport, Maurizio Lupi , satisfied from Europe that “opens” the “possibility of re-launching of a strategic sector for the entire continent, such as air transport.” And with the okay of DG Competition, the two companies announced that the transaction will close by year-end, “an excellent result” for the CEO of Alitalia, Gabriele Del Torchio, satisfied that the investment will bring “financial stability for long-term growth. “

In giving the green light to the acquisition, the Competition DG explained that” the decision is subject, inter alia, the commitment to Alitalia CAI and Etihad to free some slots for new entrants at the airports of Rome Fiumicino and Belgrade. ” This is because “at present CAI Alitalia and Air Serbia (partly controlled by Etihad) are the only carriers to offer direct flights on the route Rome-Belgrade. The Commission was concerned that the monopoly created by the operation on the route Rome-Belgrade might lead to higher prices and lower quality of service for passengers. ” But “the proposed commitments based on those concerns,” notes Brussels.

To avoid the risk of a monopoly on the Rome-Belgrade , Alitalia-Qatar has offered to “liberate up to two pairs of slots “in favor of any new operators. In addition, it is written in the note, “the two companies have agreed to provide additional incentives, including the opportunity for new entrants to acquire prior rights (the” grandfather rights “, ed) after a period “and note that the Commission’s decision on the transaction” is subject to full compliance with the commitments. “

Finally, also for” facilitating the entry of new operators, the parties have agreed to offer a special deal pro-rata agreement “combinability” fares, interline agreement, as well as access to their frequent flyer program , “says the Commission.

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