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Italy’s new government is reviewing options for retaining oversight of ITA Airways as part of a possible deal with Deutsche Lufthansa AG, backing away from the previous administration’s willingness to cede control of a strategic asset. Options under review by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government include seeking special powers to influence or veto governance or strategy of ITA following the sale of a stake to Lufthansa, or partnering with state-railway company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane SpA, or FS, according to people familiar with the talks, asking not to be identified discussing confidential deliberations. The option of bringing the state-owned railway on board could let Italy keep a majority in the airline, the people said. While a partnership with FS would allow Italy to bolster its oversight of the company after a sale, the move might deter Lufthansa, which has signaled it would be willing to explore a deal only if the German airline gains control of its Italian rival, the people added. Representatives for the Italian government, ITA and Lufthansa declined to comment. ITA and its predecessor company, Alitalia, have been losing money for years, and the new carrier formed after Alitalia was dissolved in 2021 has only been able to continue flying thanks to state aid. The government spent at least E5.4b since 2008 keeping Alitalia aloft and providing capital for its successor.<br/>

Croatia Airlines has signed a firm order for six Airbus A220-300 aircraft and will lease an additional nine A220s, taking its total commitment for the type to fifteen. The A220s will replace previous generation aircraft in the company's fleet, reducing operating costs as well as improving environmental efficiency and competitiveness. “Today’s signing of a contract for the purchase of Airbus aircraft is a very special moment for all of us at Croatia Airlines. It marks the beginning of a new period of aviation, a new period in the life of Croatia Airlines, a new period for our passengers, and a new period for Croatia’s tourism and economy as a whole”, Croatia Airlines’ CEO, Jasmin Bajić, said. Airbus CCO and Head of International, Christian Scherer, noted, “We are thrilled to add Croatia Airlines as a new A220 customer. The A220 is ideally suited to Croatia's aviation needs, providing operational flexibility and efficiency allowing its airline to pursue its ambition for both regional and international connectivity without compromising on any aspect, be it passenger comfort or trip and seat cost economics”. The airline is expected to take deliveries of the six A220s between 2024 and 2026. No details have been disclosed on the value of the deal.<br/>

Indian conglomerate Tata Group is merging Air India with Vistara, its joint venture with Singapore Airlines, to create a bigger full-service carrier that will strengthen its presence in domestic and international skies. Autos-to-steel conglomerate Tata will hold 74.9% of the combined entity, while SIA will own the remaining 25.1%, the Indian group said Tuesday. SIA will invest $252m into Air India as part of the deal, Tata said, with the pair aiming to complete the merger by March 2024, subject to regulatory approvals including from India's aviation ministry, central bank and antitrust watchdog. Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the merger was an important milestone in efforts to rebuild Air India into a "world-class airline". "Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance," Chandrasekaran said. Air India, with its maharajah mascot, was once known for its lavishly decorated planes and stellar service. But its reputation declined in the mid-2000s as financial troubles mounted. It was criticised for business class seats in poor repair, customers faced delays and staff and suppliers were not always paid on time. The airline, founded by JRD Tata in 1932 and nationalised in 1953, returned to the Tatas' control in January. The proposed merger will create a stronger rival to India's dominant carrier IndiGo and give SIA, which lacks a domestic flying market, a more solid foothold in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.<br/>

Air New Zealand has been forced to cancel two of its flights after a plane was struck by lightning after departing Auckland. Air New Zealand's flight NZ429 left Auckland bound for Wellington on Wednesday when it was hit by lightning in mid-air at about 1pm. As a result, the plane was forced to turn around. One person said on Twitter that passengers were told to go home and rebook their flight for Thursday. An Air New Zealand spokesperson told Newshub that lightning strikes aren't uncommon and their pilots are prepared for them. It comes as wild weather lashes parts of the country. MetService said Wednesday has been a "big day for thunderstorms" for Auckland and Waikato. The thunderstorms have been bringing bursts of heavy rain and a risk of strong wind gusts to the regions. The storm activity is forecast to move eastwards towards the Bay of Plenty. A tornado even lifted a roof in the town of Paeroa. Fire and Emergency NZ said in statement they "were called to assist with a roof lifting in Paeroa, Hauraki District". The caretaker of the holiday park Paeroa RV Centre told the NZ Herald residents were terrified as a tornado lifted the roof of the campground's hall. "I saw it coming from over the back of the thing [hall], it came through the trees and ripped branches off when it just smashed the hall," he said.<br/>