British Airways boss Willie Walsh said yesterday that the European Commission should oppose Italian government funding for Alitalia. He told the ANSA news agency 'It is not fair that the Italian government is financially supporting Alitalia,'
The Italian government recently granted Alitalia an emergency loan of 300 million to help keep it flying, with the funds being counted as capital to avoid bankruptcy. The EU has expressed doubts over the legitimacy of the loan, pointing out that Alitalia is not eligible for fresh state aid after being previously bailed out.
Mr Walsh said the European Commission must adopt 'a strong position to maintain its credibility not only in Europe but globally.' If it did so, 'Alitalia's chances of survival would be very low,' he said. |
