Alitalia’s new commissioner has detailed proposals for trimming part of the Italian carrier’s operations, during meetings with key unions.
Commissioner Giuseppe Leogrande took over as a single commissioner for the carrier, which remains in extraordinary administration, after plans fell through for a consortium of investors to take over the airline.
Union FIT-CISL says Leogrande informed members of proposals to close unprofitable routes and reduce the fleet by three aircraft, from 113 to 110.
The aircraft would be withdrawn through the end of leases.
Union FILT-CGIL says the network closures would be aimed at long-haul routes.
FILT-CGIL chief Fabrizio Cuscito says: “There was also talk of the possible impact of route closures on the extent of lay-offs for pilots and cabin crew.”
But no details have been finalised, he adds.
Cuscito warns that the need for sacrifices regarding Alitalia’s reshaping “cannot fall again on workers”.
FIT-CISL says the commissioner advised that the entire company is being examined for areas of improvement.
But the union says the economic development minister needs to convene a meeting with the workers’ representatives and “tell us what he wants to do with Alitalia”.
FIT-CISL points out that the collapse of Air Italy indicates that the entire supply chain, rather than individual airlines, is showing signs of problems.
