The European Commission has given the regulatory thumbs up to a partnership between Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines.
The approval paves the way for the German carrier to acquire an initial 45% stake in the Belgian carrier’s parent company by the end of the month.
Lufthansa also has the option to buy the remaining 55% stake from April 2011.
The move came the day that a Lufthansa-backed UK holding company moved to increase its shareholding in Bmi (see separate TravelMole story).
Harmonised flight schedules leading to improved connections at Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Brussels hubs are planned between Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines together with unspecified synergies.
Brussels Airlines operates 51 aircraft on a network covering 70 destinations in Europe and Africa. The airline employs 3,000 staff.
by Phil Davies
