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EasyJet-Delta Alitalia takeover branded ‘relaunch not rescue’

Air
James Chapple
1 March 2019

EasyJet and Delta’s joint bid to revive the fortunes of Italy’s embattled flag carrier Alitalia will be a “relaunch” rather than a rescue deal, the country’s deputy prime minister has said.

The Alitalia brand is set to disappear

Luigi Di Maio, who is taking the lead on efforts to revitalise Alitalia, said he was confident the deal – a joint venture with Italian state rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato – would progress.


Bloomberg reports the Italian treasury will take a stake in the airline if potential investors come up with a viable business plan.


Citing the country’s finance minister Giovanni Tria, easyJet and Delta were readying a €400 million investment, securing 40% of the company.


State-owned Ferrovie would take 30% and the treasury a minority stake.