The German government has reaffirmed its commitment to sell its remaining stake in Lufthansa after reaching a deal with the European Commission that would allow foreigners to buy into the airline without gaining control of the flag carrier.

But the finance ministry said it had no firm plans yet for the sale of the remaining 36 per cent stake worth some £1.2 billion after Bonn agreed the pact with Brussels with assurances the sale would not discriminate against foreign shareholders.