Comments on: Alitalia Accepts Air France/KLM Takeover Bid

By: The Cranky Flier » Alitalia’s LAX Reception

The Cranky Flier » Alitalia’s LAX Reception — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:12:13 +0000

[...] felt sorry for some of these guys. So what exactly is the latest? When we left off last time, Alitalia had accepted the AF/KL bid and even the government had gotten behind it. But, they still needed to get the unions to back the [...]

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:56:10 +0000

Had to laugh when American Express’ monthly “RewardsWatch” email came in. The first “featured reward” was an offer to exchange American Express points for Alitalia MilleMiglia points so you can … and I quote …

“Visit Italy in comfort and style by transferring points to Alitalia.”

Wonder who would be nutty enough to do that? And I really wonder who at AMEX wasn’t proofing their RewardsWatch emails?

By: Seth

Seth — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:44:00 +0000

I’d be shocked if the unions let this go through as currently planned. The job losses and effective shuttering of MXP would be enormous changes for the country to deal with. And since the government has been willing to lose billions by providing workfare jobs in the past, there is little reason for the unions to change their tune now. I’d be shocked if the unions agree to the cuts.

By: Artie

Artie — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:52:16 +0000

Bryan – I pick up on your subtle sarcasm, and I won’t argue that it is without merit. But in the economic times we find ourselves, cuts must be made. In medicine, if you are diabetic and find your big toe is necrosing, you gotta cut it off before it spreads to infect other areas. OK, sorry, gross example, but point is some sacrifice has to be made to preserve the whole…now whether the whole is worth preserving (ie. Alitalia) can be up to debate.

Perhaps job loss would be easier to stomach for us Americans if our CEOs and top execs were not making multi-million dollar salaries. I must admit, hearing about a hard-working ramp agent or flight attendant losing their job or taking a pay cut while top execs continue to make more money than they can possibly use is not very palatable.

By: CF

CF — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:56:36 +0000

Asad – Air One in Italy had expressed interest but the AF/KL bid won out. That can always change if AF/KL falls through.

By: Asad

Asad — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:53:09 +0000

They will lose their jobs when the company goes out of business. My mom had the unfortunate experience of flying with them once, it was the worse flying experience she has ever had.

Some of the people involved don’t seem to think that’s a bad idea.
“But bankruptcy would not be a catastrophe,” Moratti said.

Besides AirFrance who else is willing to buy these guys ?

By: Bryan in San Francisco

Bryan in San Francisco — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:15:39 +0000

Crazy! I can’t believe they would be “apparently so up in arms over possible job cuts.” What’s so bad about losing your job? Silly aircraft maintenance workers…