The Italian government has confirmed that it is in negotiations with Delta Air Lines and EasyJet for Alitalia. Together with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), the Italian state railway company, the airline groups are studying a potential attempt at an administrative consortium.
According to information from the Associated Press, the state railway received a leading role when taking over Alitalia. However, it faced difficulties amid competition from low-cost airlines. Because of this, it was unable to present a sustainable plan to establish the Italian airline as a long-range player.
Last week, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stated that he is willing to participate in the creation of a company that will manage Alitalia. Support, however, will come as long as the new business plan is sustainable and follows European guidelines.
The Italian airline began the judicial recovery process in May 2017, but continued its operations. The country's government provided the company with a loan of 600 million euros. With this amount, therefore, it would be possible to keep it running until there were purchase offers. The sale of the company, however, was suspended due to a change of government.
Several airlines have expressed interest in buying Alitalia. Including, among them, previous offers from Easyjet, Lufthansa and Ryanair. The Italian press, however, highlights that up to ten companies have made offers.
Alitalia grows 50% in Brazil
From January to October 2018, Alitalia transported 250 passengers on Brazilian routes. The number means an increase of 52% compared to the same period in the previous year.
In 2018, Alitalia increased its number of flights in Brazil by 110%, from ten weekly to 21, with three routes per day between the country and Italy. In Rio de Janeiro, the company increased its frequency from three times a week to daily flights.
In São Paulo, there are now two flights per day. The new flight departs from Guarulhos at 10 PM and arrives in Fiumicino, Rome, at 12:05 PM. The return flight is during the day, departing from Rome at 22:15 AM and arriving in São Paulo at 19:35 PM.
The already consolidated frequency leaves Guarulhos at 17:15 pm and arrives at 7:15 am. On the return, departure from Rome is at 22:05 pm and arrival at 7:25 am. The daily Galeão flight departs at 17pm, arriving in Rome at 7am. On the way back, it leaves at 21:45 pm and arrives at 7 am.
