Alitalia has terminated plans to take a major stake in Air Malta. Talks on Alitalia taking a shareholding in the Maltese airline, which were scheduled to be completed in summer 2016, had become increasingly protracted. Maltese newspapers speculated last weekend that negotiations between Alitalia and the Maltese govt had broken down. Alitalia said Friday the companies “have jointly decided to terminate the talks, which would have led to Alitalia becoming a 49% shareholder in the carrier. “The two airlines agreed that the current changing landscape in the airline industry was not ideal for such a transaction and that both airlines would concentrate on the current challenges without entering into a partnership.” Alitalia, which is nearing the end of a 3-year turnaround plan, again faces significant financial losses. <br/>