Aeroflot says it welcomes the decision to let it review troubled carrier, Alitalia”s financial records, as the bidding war for the Italian airline hots up.
The Russian flag carrier, in tandem with banker, UniCredit, is aiming to acquire a 39.9% stake in Alitalia, whose economic challenges have continued to dominate headlines in Italy.
”Aeroflot and Alitalia have been working closely together since we joined the SkyTeam Alliance in 2006 and already operate integrated critical systems such as our IT platform,” said Aeroflot CEO, Valery Okulov.
”The combination of our complementary networks will offer Alitalia unparalleled access to the most dynamic passenger aviation market ” Russia and the CIS ” while Aeroflot customers will have access to Alitalia”s expanded network across Africa and South America through its Rome hub.”
Calls to Alitalia in Rome were met with a straight bat response, with all enquiries directed to the Finance Ministry, who remained equally tight-lipped, but what appears to be clear is that the race for Alitalia also involves fellow Italian carrier, Air One.
Media speculation has centred on the fact that it may be preferable for Alitalia to transfer to Air One to ensure a genuine privatisation, rather than be run by a fellow State airline, but telephone enquires to Air One proved inconclusive.
Aeroflot however, is keen to stress its position as an airline that has undergone major reconstruction and that its rebuilding experience ” the Russian carrier posted a net profit in 2006 of 7bn roubles ($200m) ” would enable it to run an efficient microscope over Alitalia.
”We understand how to effectively implement a recovery strategy,” said Okulov, adding: ”Through our proposed investment, the team that made Aeroflot a success, will make Alitalia an internationally competitive airline, while maintaining job security and service for its customers.”