Alitalia unions express optimism

ROME, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Union leaders in Italy expressed optimism Monday that a deal to rescue parts of troubled Alitalia Airline were possible.

The chance of an agreement with the Compagnia Aerea Italiana, a consortium of business interests including private airline Air One, was "good, even if not 100 percent," said Luigi Angeletti, head of the UIL union, ANSA news service reported Tuesday.

''Allowing the company to fail would mean giving away to foreign competitors the patrimony of the Italian air transport market, which everyone agrees is one of the most lucrative in the world,'' said Raffaele Bonanni of the CISL union.

In all, nine unions will meet this week with the CAI to discuss folding their separate contracts into one, Ansa reported.

The plan also includes merging Alitalia and Air One flight operations and shedding Alitalia's ground and cargo businesses to help recover part of the airline's $1.4 billion debt.

CAI is also seeking a foreign partner, such as Air France or Lufthansa, ANSA reported.