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EasyJet has confirmed it is among the parties that have expressed an interest in troubled Alitalia, which is separately facing strike disruption June 17. Etihad Airways' equity partner Alitalia went into special administration in May after employees voted against a labour agreement, which was critical to the carrier’s turnaround plan. Special commissioners called for parties to declare their interest by June 5, which attracted 32 expressions of interest, including Ryanair that is interested in a connecting flight partnership. “We can confirm we are interested,” CE Carolyn McCall said June 14. In general, McCall described Italy as a core market for EasyJet and said she sees further opportunities there. <br/>

A Chinese airline has been lambasted after a dog that it was transporting was found dead, while another was shot more than 50 times with an air rifle after it escaped from a cargo hold. China Eastern Airlines, who were transporting the dog, appeared to have further incensed Chinese web-users by offering the dog’s owner compensation based on the pet’s weight – adopting the policy it uses for damaged or lost luggage. The case comes after another golden retriever that was being transported by China Eastern Airlines was shot more than 50 times with an air rifle at Wuhan airport in May, reports said. The staff opened fire after the dog ran from his cage and into the aircraft parking area. Chinese web-users vented fury at China Eastern Airlines, while other comments called for more regulation of pet transportation. <br/>