A 'new Alitalia' will become a reality by the middle of next month, the national carrier's government-appointed administrator Augusto Fantozzi said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference after Italy's national trade unions agreed to a rescue plan for the bankrupted airline, Fantozzi said the October 15 date was set by Compagnia Aerea Italiana (CAI) - a government-sponsored consortium of Italian investors which offered to buy Alitalia's flight operations - when it presented its bid a second time.
CAI withdrew its offer last week when Italy's biggest union CGIL insisted for modifications to the plan.
Unions representing the majority of pilots and cabin staff have also sought changes to the plan but they, too, are expected to give a green light to CAI in light of the adjustments investors have made.
The pilots' unions were still talking to CAI Chairman Roberto Colaninno and his CEO Rocco Sabelli Thursday evening.
If they do not OK the agreement, CGIL hinted that a referendum could be held to let the majority of workers decide.
Also at Thursday's press conference was Industry Minister Claudio Scajola who said he was confident that Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC will confirm Alitalia's operating license now that the CAI plan had been accepted.
ENAC had threatened to revoke the license after CAI withdrew its offer last week.
Fantozzi can now confirm that CAI is back in the picture and with union support.
