ALITALIA carries on much as before despite the repeated condemnation by other carriers and in particular British Airways” Rod Eddington. Last week the airline secured an agreement with most of its unions to spin off most of its non-core operations into a new company to be called AZ Service. The European Commission has approved a EUR400m bridging loan for the loss-making airline, but Alitalia is required to confirm that the restructuring plan does not include state aid. Rome has to reduce its stake from 62% to 49%. Outgoing European Union transport commissioner Loyola de Palacio said last Tuesday she hoped to review the rescue plan before the end of her term, but was not sure it would be possible.
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