(see related)
Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi
on Thursday gave assurances that a deal in which Abu Dhabi-based
carrier Etihad is set to invest in Italian flag-bearer Alitalia
is "in the final stage".
The two airlines have been negotiating terms of a major
cash injection by Etihad in the cash-strapped Italian carrier,
and Lupi said that Wednesday night, Alitalia received a letter
updating conditions.
When asked if the new conditions meant a deal may be
stalled, Lupi said, "Yes, but we're in the final stage. If the
responses convince Etihad to proceed, it's fundamental for each
party to do its part".
For months, expectations have been high for an investment
deal that would see the Abu Dhabi-based airline inject as much
as 300 million euros into Alitalia in return for a stake of
about 40%.
"It's my understanding that Alitalia is responding to all
of Etihad's observations. We have Alitalia's guarantee that
they'll respond soon. It's my understanding that the deal is
still on and we're paying close attention to the continuation of
the agreements," added Lupi.
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