Brussels, 13/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - With Etihad getting ready to take a large stake in Alitalia, European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, visiting Rome, remains on his guard.
Italian Minister for Infrastructure Maurizio Lupi and Commissioner Kallas met on Thursday 12 June to discuss the Italian Presidency, due to start on 1 July, in the field of transport. However, it appears that the imminent purchase of shares in the airline Alitalia by the airline Etihad (United Arab Emirates) was also on the agenda at the meeting.
Under the agreement in question, which has still to be concluded, Etihad would become the owner of 49% of the shares in Alitalia. This percentage is the maximum level of foreign participation authorised by European Regulation 1008/2008 on the operation of air services in the EU.
This regulation stipulates that, in order to obtain an operating licence within the Union, the ownership of an airline must be at least 50% European. Additionally, control of the company has to remain in European hands. Kallas is believed to have sought reassurance from Lupi on this matter whilst in Rome.
The European Commission has already asked four member states for clarifications on foreign investment in European airlines under these rules. In April of this year, letters were sent to Germany (Etihad Airways/Air Berlin), the United Kingdom (Delta Air Lines/Virgin Atlantic), Luxembourg (HNCA's/Cargolux) and the Czech Republic (Korean Air/Czech Airlines). (MD)