EasyJet still keen on parts of Alitalia: CEO to paper

EasyJet is still keen on parts of Alitalia after an Italian minister said this week the government wants the majority of the carrier under state control, the CE of the British airline said. Italy’s new transport minister, Danilo Toninelli, said earlier this week there was a need for 51% of Alitalia to be kept in Italian hands “but with a strong investor next to it who has a mission to fly planes, because (Alitalia) needs to return to being a true flag carrier”. Asked about the minister’s comments, EasyJet CEO Johan Lundgren reiterated the company’s interest for parts of Alitalia, but has to speak with Italy’s new government, which came into power in June, to “understand what they are thinking,” he added. <br/>