easyJet says in discussions with others, including Delta Air Lines about forming consortium to explore options for Alitalia

easyJet PLC (LON:EZJ) has confirmed it is in discussions with Italy’s state-owned rail network operator, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and US group Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) about forming a consortium to explore options for the future operations of ailing Italian flag carrier Alitalia.

In a brief statement, the FTSE 100-listed group said: “There is no certainty at this stage that any transaction will proceed and easyJet will provide a further update in due course, if and when appropriate.”

READ: easyJet ups European ownership to 49% in preparation for Brexit

Back in October 2018, the UK budget airline added that it had submitted a non-binding expression of interest in a restructured Alitalia.

The Italian carrier collapsed into administration in 2017 for the second time in a decade as it continued to lose money and struggled to compete with budget rivals such as easyJet, and the Italian government has been searching for a buyer since.

Any talks regarding easyjet’s interest Alitalia have been delayed by a political deadlock in the country as a result of a hung parliament.

Story by ProactiveInvestors