Some Alitalia pilots said they
were not convinced after meeting Thursday with officials from
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways about possible work in the United
Arab Emirates.
Etihad representatives met with about 100 pilots from the
Italian carrier Alitalia to talk about job prospects with the
company in the UAE if they lose work in Italy as a result of a
deal between the two airlines.
Etihad is close to investing about 560 million euros in
loss-making Alitalia but as a condition, it is demanding debt
restructuring and job reductions.
It has said that some Alitalia pilots who lose their jobs
could work with another of Etihad's partners.
Some pilots left the meeting saying Etihad's proposals were
suitable only for junior flight crew members still establishing
their careers.
"We were presented with contracts and salaries (that) were
not appropriate for head pilots with 25 years' seniority," said
one pilot leaving the meeting.
Other participants said they had been told not to talk
about the presentation, which reportedly included brochures on
where to find Italian restaurants and cultural offerings in Abu
Dhabi.
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