Easyjet confirms in talks with Delta on Alitalia rescue

EasyJet on Thursday confirmed that it was in discussions with Italy's state-controlled railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and Delta Air Lines about forming a consortium to explore options for the future operations of struggling airline Alitalia.

“There is no certainty at this stage that any transaction will proceed and easyJet will provide a further update in due course, if and when appropriate,” the budget carrier said in a statement.

Alitalia fell into special administration in 2017 – the second time in a decade - after continuous losses.

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said: “The government is willing to participate in the creation of a new Alitalia on the condition that this is in line with European rules and that there is a sustainable business plan in place.”