Global
Air France-KLM and AP Holding submitted non-binding proposals to acquire a majority stake in Alitalia
. Air France-KLM, an Alitalia SkyTeam alliance partner, said it would position Rome-Fiumicino Airport as an intercontinental hub and plan "many medium and long-haul direct services" from Milan, timed to "better meet the needs of business customers." Parent of Italian carrier Air One, AP Holding said its proposal would enable Alitalia to achieve profitability by 2010 and Italy to "keep a flag carrier of its own." Alitalia said it would examine the proposals "presumably during next week" and then begin "exclusive negotiations" with one of the bidders.