Italy’s government plans central role in Alitalia rescue

Italy’s government wants to continue to play a major role at troubled carrier Alitalia, after Delta and UK discounter EasyJet said they’re interested in joining a rescue plan for the company. After the two airlines confirmed Wednesday that they could potentially team up to run Alitalia along with state railway Ferrovie dello Stato, Economic Development Minister Luigi Di Maio said the Treasury could end up owning a stake larger than 15%, Ansa news agency reported, citing union sources. State-owned Ferrovie will take the lead in the latest bid to revamp the carrier, almost two years after the airline was placed in administration for the second time in a decade. Di Maio, whose Five Star Movement has campaigned to save jobs at distressed companies around the country, sees "great potential" for Alitalia, Ansa reported. Di Maio, who effectively runs the government along with fellow Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, said the state’s involvement will safeguard employment at the carrier. Ferrovie said Wednesday that discussions among the potential partners will focus on “defining the main aspects of the new Alitalia plan.” EasyJet has confirmed talks on “forming a consortium to explore options” for the Italian carrier’s future. Delta said late Wednesday that it submitted a non-binding letter of interest to Ferrovie concerning “a consortium approach in a future Alitalia together with EasyJet.” Neither airline disclosed details on their possible roles in resuscitating the Italian airline.<br/>