Hi News Transport & Tourism Carrier: Etihad offers Alitalia concession with Serbia influence under the sleeve.
Alitalia will give up some slots on the Rome-Belgrade to its European competitors, sources close to the European Commission tell Reuters.
With Etihad’s recent 49 per cent acquisition of the Italian carrier under scrutiny from EU aviation authorities, the Abu Dhabi-based airline has been discussing possible concessions to offer in return for European antitrust approval.
Another anonymous source close to the deal told Reuters back in September that “the carriers are likely to secure EU approval if they offer minor concessions”. As such, the route between Italy and Serbia’s capital, which Alitalia serves daily, as well as other route concessions, may be freed up to European rivals such as Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines.
However, with no direct flights and fares averaging 50 per cent higher, it seems that the only major beneficiary of this agreement would be Air Serbia – which likewise serves a direct daily between Rome and Belgrade.
Crucially, Air Serbia is also 49 per cent owned by Etihad, which, therefore, suggests that potential concession wouldn’t damage the UAE national carrier’s influence in the region.
Aside from Air Serbia and Alitalia, Etihad also holds minority stakes in Air Berlin, Air Lingus and Swiss-based Darwin in Europe, as well as Virgin Australia, Air Seychelles and Jet Airways globally.
Brussels is expected to rule on the deal by November 17.