easyJet ready to rescue Alitalia

(24 September 2008)

The possible collapse of Alitalia could lead to easyJet adding new Italian routes at short notice.

The budget airline would expect to be awarded airport slots in return by the Italian government. It has offered to commit around 10 aircraft to immediately move into important routes such as Milan-Rome, Milan-Naples and Milan-Palermo.

Italy's troubled national carrier has been sticking to its schedules despite the imminent threat of losing its operating licence.