Lufthansa calls on EU to block Etihad–Alitalia tie-up « ASHARQ AL-AWSAT

Lufthansa calls on EU to block Etihad–Alitalia tie-up « ASHARQ AL-AWSAT:



"Germany’s largest airline Lufthansa has criticized plans by Etihad Airways to invest in ailing Italian carrier Alitalia and called on the European Commission to block the deal, saying it would amount to unfair competition.



Etihad, which has bought stakes in airlines across the world including Air Berlin, Aer Lingus and Virgin Australia, said on Sunday it was in the final stages of a process that could see it invest in Alitalia.



Lufthansa has fiercely lobbied against state-owned Gulf airlines such as Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, and their fast-paced expansion in Europe, saying they benefit from unfair state aid and thus distort the market."



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