EasyJet still interested in 'restructured' Alitalia

Reuters

Published Oct 31, 2018 17:35

EasyJet still interested in 'restructured' Alitalia

(Reuters) - Budget airline EasyJet (L:EZJ) said on Wednesday that it had submitted a revised expression of interest for a restructured Alitalia, in response to the new Italian government's ongoing sales process.

EasyJet had said in September that it was still talking to the Italian government over Alitalia's short-haul operations, adding that any deal needed to make commercial sense.

Alitalia, a symbol of Italy's post-war economic boom but now struggling to compete against low-cost carriers and high speed trains, was put under special administration last year and has been looking for a buyer.

EasyJet said the content of the expression of interest was subject to confidentiality, but that the move was in line with its existing strategy for Italy.

Germany's Lufthansa (DE:LHAG) and Wizz Air (L:WIZZ) had submitted expressions of interest this year for Alitalia or parts of its business, but the lengthy formation of a new anti-establishment government delayed the process.

Wizz Air did not immediately comment when asked if the company had also submitted a revised expression of interest. Lufthansa said on Tuesday that it had no interest in participating in a government-led restructuring of the Italian carrier.

Delta Air Lines (N:DAL) declined to comment on Friday on reports that the second biggest U.S. carrier was interested in buying a stake in Alitalia.