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Delta has broken ground on the $4b redevelopment of its terminals at New York LaGuardia airport, its largest airport investment ever. The works will see the Atlanta-based carrier rebuild its facilities in terminals C and D at the airport into a new, "world class" facility with 37 gates that can accommodate all of its operations at the popular New York airport. "We believe this investment will further cement Delta's position as the number one airline in New York," said Ed Bastian, CE of Delta, at a ceremony at LaGuardia. The project is Delta's largest investment at an airport ever, he says, exceeding the at least $1.4b the airline invested in expanding terminal 4 at New York John F Kennedy International airport through 2015. The works are also the single largest investment by any single airline at any of the three New York airports. Delta's LaGuardia terminal is part of New York governor Andrew Cuomo's overhaul of both LaGuardia and New York John F Kennedy International airports, that includes a new $4b central terminal at the former and an overhaul of the terminal area at JFK.<br/>

Alitalia has opened a new phase in its sale process, setting a deadline of 15 September for expressions of interest in making a binding bid. A source with knowledge of the matter says that within 10 days of this deadline expiring, Alitalia's special commissioners will consider the offers and notify parties that have met the "requirements". Those shortlisted will then have until 2 October to submit a binding offer. This will be followed by phase in which they have an opportunity to "improve" their offers before making final bids on 5 November. Italian media reports suggest that up to 13 parties made nonbinding proposals for Alitalia in July. Ryanair has confirmed that it did so.<br/>