Alitalia to focus on domestic route network in restructuring: Commissioner

Alitalia commissioner Stefano Paleari stated restructuring for insolvency will see the carrier “predominantly oriented on the domestic market” (il Sol 24 Ore, 15-Aug-2017). The domestic market accounts for 13 million of Alitalia‘s 22 million passenger total p/a. Mr Paleari confirmed the carrier’s long haul routes will be consolidated to a total of 17 routes, including six destinations in Latin Americacomprising Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile and Havana and four destinations in North America. Binding bids for Alitalia are required by 02-Oct-2017, with Lufthansa, Ryanair and easyJet and the Elliott Management Hedge Fund reportedly considering binding bids.