Short reprieve for Alitalia, as unions meet over rescue deal

The fate of Italy’s flagship airline Alitalia hangs in the balance, as unions representing pilots and flight assistants meet to consider a renewed eleventh-hour rescue plan.

A fresh deal was being brokered by the Italian government on Thursday between four other major unions and the CAI investor group.

Alitalia risked having its flights grounded next week if it hadn’t come up with a plan or demonstrated enough funds for the next three months.

Until now bitterly opposed to the deal, the pilot and flight assistant unions have signalled a possible change in stance citing “new and interesting facts.”

Observers say that not all of the pilots’ unions would need to agree for the plan to go forward.

Copyright © 2012 euronews