Alitalia CE: Goal is ‘not breakeven, but profitability’ in 2017

Alitalia is holding firm on its target of hitting breakeven in 2017, although new CE Cramer Ball is hoping to go further and post a profit. The new Alitalia began operations Jan 1, 2015, following a E1.76b recapitalisation that saw its historic debt wiped out and Etihad Airways take a 49% stake. “Today stability is our objective, management stability, board stability and shareholder stability,” Alitalia’s chairman said. He added that the carrier is now halfway through its three-year transformation and is on track to meet its targets. Under its new ownership, Alitalia has revamped the cabins of 122 of its aircraft under a rebranding, upgraded its business lounges, improved onboard service, put more than 9,000 staff through retraining and opened a E5m training academy. <br/>