Rumours surround Air France and Alitalia

Rumours reported in Thomson Financial News indicate that Air France could be asked to help the government of Italy in its effort to rescue the national airline Alitalia. A financial consultation working for the Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi leaked the news to Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore on Sunday.

Berlusconi has called upon businessman Bruno Ermolli to bring together a group capable of buying Alitalia from the Italian government. When asked if Air France could be part of that consortium, Fabio Verna, who is working with Bruno Ermolli, said: “Its a possibility.”

Verna added: “The fact that in April [Air France chairman Jean-Cyril] Spinetta left the talks table does not mean he is not interested in resuming relations on different conditions and for a different financial consideration.”

Spinetta removed Air France from discussions with both Alitalia and its trade unions on April 2nd, after failing to agree with the groups on the terms of a possible takeover.

The local newspaper feels that an international partner, like Air France-KLM, would most likely only get involved with government takeover talks after a local, Italian buyers group was established first.

While the airline waits to see who will save it from bankruptcy, rumours have also surfaced that Alitalia is incapable of paying its staff their wages. Officials at the airline have made public statements denying these rumours, however.