News / Shipping lines and airlines battle for control of Italy's ITA Airways

Photo: Vincenzo Gentile

Shipping and airline partners are jostling for position to take over 80% of new Italian airline ITA, as air and sea transport interests begin to align.

Lufthansa, with partner MSC, reportedly put in bids last week for 20% and 60%, respectively, no doubt looking to strengthen their market position, especially in the light of CMA CGM’s investment in Air France-KLM.

But the French-Dutch group is also looking to extend into Italy with an investment in ITA, along with US investment firm Certares.

However, ...