With the backing of an international fund, Air France-KLM, and Delta Airlines have expressed interest to purchase a majority stake in Alitalia’s successor ITA Airways, reported La Repubblica citing a government source.

According to the report, the expression of interest was presented to Italy’s government in a one-and-a half page letter.

In a statement Air France-KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic said they were committed to working with the new Alitalia management “to deepen our cooperation, including potential associate membership of the airlines’ expanded joint venture launched in 2020”.

They declined further comment.

Delta was not immediately available for comment.

The development comes in the wake of Lufthansa teaming up with shipping group MSC to express an interest in ITA; they could soon gain access to its books after the Italian government detailed ways to sell the slimmed down airline.

Categories: Creativity, Economy & Finance, Entrepreneurship, HR & Organization, Strategy

Tags: acquisition, Air France-KLM, Alitalia management, buy, Delta Airlines, international fund, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, M&A, majority stake, merger, MSC, purchase, Virgin Atlantic