The Cranky Flier calls it the Worst Airline Ever, whilst some of wonder ponder how it is still in business.
I’m referring of course to the Italian flag carrier Alatalia.
News today comes in that the airline is risking having its supply of fuel cut by ENI on Saturday unless Alitala’s management and government can reassure that the airline will pay its bills.
ENI has a right to be concerned, as it is owed over €30million in unpaid fuel bills.
Alitalia is attempting to raise €100million to avoid bankruptcy from shareholders.
Whilst the risk is real, there is also a tug for who will buy Alitalia – anyone wants it. Air France-KLM is keen on buying it, but not for the current price or debt burden. Shareholders will want to extract every penny possible.
And even if Air France-KLM went anywhere near the rest of Alitalia, it would need heavy restructuring to become profitable again.
Whilst the option of turning off the fuel pipes and letting the company go bankrupt is an option, it would be tough to imagine if the Italian government have finally have had enough of their home airline.
Talks are due with Italy’s civil aviation authority (ENAC) to see if Alitalia is a viable business.
The big question is… is it?
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Has the Cranky Flier been on Air India at all?
Not sure, but I was scared by Air India when I was young. I still have flashback to a 747 with maybe-working airtube headphones (if the crew could be bothered to switch them on).
Cranky Flyer obviously has only limited travelling experiences;-) Aerolineas Argentinas and “Scare” India are surely much worse! (and don’t even talk about some of the African carriers!)