Giuridico e Amministrativo

🌏 China extends visa-free entry from 15 to 30 days until December 31, 2025. The easing applies to tourists from 38 countries, including Italy, for transit and further travel. Additionally, a 240-hour (10-day) free transit offer is available, requiring a passport valid for six months with two blank pages.

📡 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.

💸 Instant transfers are now available for everyone at no additional cost, as per new EU rules enacted from regulations approved in March. These rules, included in the community regulation 2024/886, ensure customers can send and receive transactions in 10 seconds with no fees, time limits, or extra charges. This change equates instant transfers with ordinary ones, aiming to make traditional bank services more competitive with platforms like PayPal or Satispay.

🏠 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).