Air France Acknowledges Alitalia Interest

Air France-KLM chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta today said the carrier is exploring a possible merger with Alitalia, but has not yet engaged in discussions with the Italian carrier to pursue a deal.

Air France-KLM, however, has begun "exploratory talks" to determine whether "Alitalia's business plan could lead to its turnaround," if the carriers share the same vision and whether integrating would generate efficiencies for the airlines. "If the answers to these three points are positive, it may then be possible to start discussions with Alitalia," Air France-KLM said in a statement.