Giuridico e Amministrativo

📡 United Airlines to launch Starlink satellite Wi-Fi service by spring, starting with an Embraer E-175 regional aircraft. Initial tests by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, scheduled for February. Wi-Fi not free for all, but for MileagePlus members only. United plans to extend the service to all regional flights and the first long-haul flight by the end of the year, aiming for the whole fleet eventually. SpaceX has also signed agreements with Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier Jsx.

📌 China extends visa exemption from 15 to 30 days until December 31, 2025, benefitting tourists from 38 countries, including Italy. Travelers can now transit via China to other destinations for up to 240 hours (10 days). A valid passport with a minimum six months validity and two blank pages is required.

🛫 In France, Finance Minister Amélie de Montchalin supports maintaining the previous government's 'environmental tax' on flights, potentially increasing it. This tax aims for fiscal and ecological justice, as the top 20% wealthiest account for over half of air travel expenses. However, the tourism industry warns that higher taxes could reduce competitiveness.

🏩 Lufthansa's acquisition of 41% of Ita Airways is set for closure on January 13. The deal involves a €325 million capital increase. The new board will have 5 members, with the majority (3) appointed by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, which retains a 59% stake. Jorg Eberhart is the expected CEO. The Italian carrier began operations on October 15, 2021, and by January 2022, it announced privatization intentions, with Lufthansa securing the deal post-EU Antitrust approval.

✈ Lufthansa is set to acquire 41% of Ita Airways with a closing date for the deal announced for Monday, January 13. The agreement, which involves a capital increase of 325 million euros, comes after tumultuous events since Ita Airways began operations on October 15, 2021. The board will consist of 5 members, 3 from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (holding 59%) and 2 from Lufthansa. Jorg Eberhart is the speculated front-runner for CEO position. The EU Antitrust clearance was required before finalizing the date.

📌 The first strike of 2025 on January 10 affects transportation in Italy, with buses, trains, and planes facing disruptions. Following a record 622 strikes in 2024, the action begins on January 8 with the Ugl union's ferry strike in Sicily. On January 9, Rfi rail maintenance workers from Cub transport strike for 24 hours. January 10 will see Cobas Lavoro Privato, Coordinamento Ferrovieri, and Assemblea Nazionale Lavoratori Manutenzione Rfi rail workers halt services. Local transport workers from Confail Fasa will strike for 4 hours with variances by city. In Milan, Atm group workers strike from 8:45 to 12:45, while ATAC in Rome disrupts from 8:30 to 12:30. Air travel will be affected, particularly in Milan, Venice, and Pisa, with Linate, Malpensa, Venice, and Filcams Cgil Pisa airport workers participating.

🛩 Major aviation constructors are facing delays affecting expansion plans for major and low-cost airlines. Boeing is recovering from B737 Max and Dreamliner issues; Airbus struggles with Pratt & Whitney engine shortages and fulfilling orders. Chinese Comac seeks European market entry, challenging the Boeing-Airbus duopoly with its C919, already used by Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern Airlines. However, European aviation voices, like Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, express concerns over Comac's quality, safety, and supply chain standards.

🏠 Bergamo is set to increase its tourist tax from 6% to 7% of the total cost of accommodation. The hike, however, won't affect hotel guests who already often pay the maximum cap of €5 per day per person, primarily impacting those staying in non-hotel facilities (B&Bs, holiday homes, room rentals).

🏢 In 2025, Trenitalia's Regionale will introduce 100 new trains with an investment of €850 million, anticipating over 430 million travelers. By 2027, the fleet will be 80% renewed with 1,061 new trains, thanks to a total investment of €7 billion. The previous year, 2024, saw 415 million passengers, an increase of 8 million from the previous year, with around 45% traveling for leisure and tourism. Digital Ticket usage rose to 43%, and intermodal links reached about 200 nationwide. The Giubileo 2025 initiatives include Metrebus ticket sales on the Trenitalia APP and extended Leonardo Express services.

🏖 Paolo Vitelli, President and founder of Azimut Benetti, passed away tragically and prematurely. Leading the National Association of Marine Industry from 1998 until 2006, Vitelli was pivotal in promoting 'Made in Italy' and achieving global excellence in yacht design and construction. Confindustria Nautica, with profound sorrow, acknowledges his visionary legacy, uniting industry members in mourning. The association extends condolences to his daughter Giovanna, family, and Azimut Benetti employees. Genova, January 1, 2025.