Alitalia is warning of another strike by cabin attendants for next Wednesday (18 July). With an ”up for sale” sign well posted on its hangar doors would-be purchasers are likely to be less than impressed with yet more industrial unrest.
Alitalia said in a statement it would try to warn passengers of flights affected by the 24-hour walkout and advised passengers to check the company web site. The airline did not say how many flights were expected to be cancelled.
For those already booked on Alitalia, or needing to travel to Italy, alternatives include British Airways from Heathrow, Air One from London City and several budget airlines.
Alitalia flight attendant unions are using the proposed sale to keep up the pressure on the carrier over contract negotiations. In May, an eight-hour strike by air traffic controllers and flight attendants scrapped hundreds of flights and stranded thousands of travellers.
In the meantime the government has extended the bid deadline until 23 July and one possible buyer, Air France/KLM has indicated that it is not interested. Whether Air One will actually make a bid is open to doubt while Aeroflot appears to have pulled out.
Buyout specialist Texas Pacific, a previous possibility, is said to be putting in a bid. Alitalia continues to make large losses.