Aerospace Diary

Posted By- Neelam Mathews Feb 2,2014 Etihad is not letting up on its acquisition spree. A release just came through that says Etihad Airways and Alitalia have entered the final phase of a due diligence process about a possible investment by Etihad Airways in Alitalia, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Etihad Airways, and Gabriele Del Torchio, Chief Executive of Alitalia, confirmed this today.  During the next 30 days both companies and their advisors will determine how a common strategy can be developed which meets the objectives of both parties.   Any issues that may prevent the establishment of an appropriate business plan will have to be resolved to ensure the plan can be implemented to move Alitalia to sustainable profitability.

AIN AIR TRANSPORT PERSPECTIVE  »  SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 by    NEELAM MATHEWS Air France-KLM became the first European carrier to operate an Airbus A380 to Shanghai early this month. (Photo: Air France-KLM) September 30, 2013, 11:45 AM Facing high costs and increased competition, Air France- KLM ’s management must pick its battles. Having announced plans for up to 2,800 job cuts on September 18, the European airline this week deferred a decision on whether or not it will provide further investment to plug holes in the sieve-like balance sheet of Alitalia. It holds a 25-percent stake in the Italian carrier, and Italy’s government has indicated it would be willing to see the Franco-Dutch group increase that share to 50 percent. French unions, who have already threatened strike action over the job cuts at home, appear unlikely to view favorably any effort to prop up perennial struggler Alitalia. Meanwhile, Air France- KLM  is...