Delta and easyJet come to Alitalia’s rescue

DELTA Air Lines and
easyJet have entered into
negotiations with Ferrovie
dello Stato (FS Italiane),
an Italian state-owned
railway company, over a
rescue plan for Alitalia.
Delta and easyJet are
considering buying up
to 40% of the troubled
airline, according to
Bloomberg. FS Italiane
is reported to be looking
at a 30% stake, which
will guarantee that the
Italian government would
retain some stake in the
national carrier.
It is understood that
the airline is currently
operating under a ‘special
administration’ condition,
which gives a company
protection from creditors
while it reorganises.
A spokesperson at Delta
Air Lines said Alitalia was
a long-standing partner of
Delta, forming part of its
transatlantic joint venture
with Air France and KLM.
“Delta confirms that it
has submitted a general
and non-binding letter of
interest to Ferrovie
dello Stato about
exploring a consortium
approach in a future
Alitalia together with
easyJet. Discussions
remain on-going and
various options are being
evaluated,” said the
spokesperson.
Lufthansa had also
expressed interest in
Alitalia but it ruled out
any deal in October.
The Italian government
has not ruled out the
possibility that it may end
up with a minority share
however. Italy’s Deputy
Prime Minister, Luigi
Di Maio, was recently
quoted as saying that
it could take a stake of
around 15% but only if
talks between potential
investors produce a
strong business plan.
TNW contacted
Alitalia and easyJet for
further details of the
negotiations but had not
received any response at
time of going to print.