Receivers appointed to oversee adminstration proceedings for flag carrier Alitalia have set a deadline of June 5 for initial bids to be submitted.
The call for “Expressions of interest” says it will consider options including the purchase of the carrier as a going concern, a plan for the economic and financial restructuring of the airline, or a transfer of assets and contracts.
Bids from interested companies or consortia must be submitted in a sealed envelope by 1800 on June 5.
The Italian government has ruled out renationalising the carrier, but has provided a bridging loan of €600 million, to enable Alitalia to continue to operate while a new owner is sought.
Earlier this month Etihad Airways – which owns a 49 per cent stake in Alitalia – expressed its disappointment at the airline entering bankruptcy proceedings, stating that it had done “all we could” to support the Italian carrier.
The move to enter extraordinary administration follows a vote in which employees voted against plans to cut jobs and salaries, which would have led to the unlocking of funds.
