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A Little Alitalia To Keep Things Light

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Oh yes, it’s that time once again. Let’s check in on our good friends at Alitalia and see how messed up things are. Man, these guys are fun to pick on.

alitaliaOver the last couple of months, the three potential investors (aka saviors) in the airline had a chance to dig in deeper and see what’s really going on. What did they find? Well, two of the bidders dropped out.

First, TPG, the US private equity firm that was involved in saving Continental and America West back in the day, walked away. It’s partner, Matlin Patterson, opted to come back in and take a shot at it without them. Then Aeroflot walked away saying that they weren’t allowed access to enough information for them to truly evaluate the opportunity. No surprise there. So really, the only original bidder left is another Italian airline, Air One. Bids are due July 12.

Of course, when bidders drop out, that opens the door for other bidders to step in. And that’s exactly what the rumors were saying a few days ago. The specific rumors were that Air France was finally going to step in and bid, but Air France says no way. You can never believe a PR team when they say that, but in this case, I would hope they aren’t that crazy. Alitalia is a lost cause (as any airline in Italy probably would be).

Meanwhile, the airline continues to excel in pissing people off. Here’s an amusing story (to read, not to experience) about a recent trip flying from Italy to Spain. Yup, sounds like Alitalia. At least they weren’t on strike.

And if you’ve ever earned miles in the airline’s MilleMiglia program, they’re about to be toast. View From the Wing reports that at the end of this year, the airline will shut down the program. Miles will only transfer if you fly them again, otherwise they disappear. Lame.

Things aren’t too rosy over on this side of the Pond for the airline either. Check out this lawsuit from the former Managing Director of Alitalia’s North American operation. He says he was told not to hire anyone who was gay, black, or over 30. Not hiring gay people at an airline?!? You’ve got to be kidding me.


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