Alitalia denies Lufthansa-Etihad talks on shareholding

© Victor Karasev

Is this a big change of heart from Lufthansa? It appears to have switched course in its relationship with fast-growing Gulf carriers, if reports are to be believed.

For years the big three Gulf carriers have sought to buy their way into Europe with an ever-increasing series of investments, codeshares and capacity – a strategy much complained about by Europe’s flagcarriers.

Etihad has borne the brunt of intense lobbying from the Germans. In January a German court withdrew approval for 29 codeshare flights ...