Danilo Toninelli, the Italian transport minister, has stated on national radio that he hopes there will a final decision at the end of the month as to the future of Alitalia. The airline was placed into administration in 2017 and has so far failed to attract a bidder or partner willing to inject funds into the operator.
Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) has bid for up to 30% of the airline, while Delta Air Lines is interested in taking 15%, and the Italian Treasury another 15%, if various media reports are correct. This still leaves a remaining 40% outstanding. The bid deadline is April 30.
The Italian unions for representing Alitalia’s pilots and cabin crews have warned the government that the situation will deteriorate further as a June 30 deadline for the repayment of a €900 million state loan is fast approaching. The unions said they are opposed to “state euthanasia, and are ready to open direct talks with possible industrial and financial partners who would guarantee a credible launch of a new Alitalia.”
