Sir - I refer to the article "Alitalia pulls plug on Fokker 70s" (Flight International, 12-18 February, P18).
The original order which was placed by Alitalia for Fokker 70s has fallen through because of the well-known bankruptcy of the manufacturer. Fokker was able to deliver only five regional jets (now grounded) of the 15 aircraft ordered in 1995. It is for this reason that Alitalia is now seeking damages from the Fokker receivers.
To cope with an aircraft shortage on its regional network, Alitalia has planned some code-sharing agreements, including, most recently, striking a deal with Air France.
The setting up of Alitalia Team, from former Alitalia regional Avianova, was made possible by a pilots' unions' decision to accept a drop in pay, thus permitting Alitalia to adapt to the highly competitive nature of the air-transport industry.
ENRICO LEPRI
Alitalia, Rome, Italy
Source: Flight International
