Alitalia and KLM have moved to break up their integrated operations after a decision by Dutch airline KLM to pull out of a partnership it had been forming with its Italian counterpart.
Last minute attempts by Alitalia, backed by the Italian Government, to rescue the alliance foundered on 23 May when the two sides set out a timetable to break up merged activities. Privatisation delays at Alitalia and continuing problems at Milan Malpensa Airport, which was to be the duo's showpiece hub, were cited as the reasons for the breakdown.
Joint organisations set up in the last few months are being disbanded and replaced by independent structures. To avoid havoc on reservations, joint services will continue until the end of August. After that date the two airlines will operate separately and the codesharing flights will be suspended. Meanwhile, the two airlines are re-opening separate check-in desks, sales offices, lounges and other merged activities.
This has left them searching for new partners. KLM is in merger discussions with British Airways and Alitalia is talking with several parties believed to include Air France and Swissair.
Source: Flight International
