Alitalia flight crew may transfer to Etihad as part of equity buy-out

Alitalia pilots previously threatened with redundancy under a job-shedding programme mandated as part of the impending deal with Etihad, could be offered contracts under which they transfer to the UAE carrier. A union spokesman said: “There is a discussion about sending redundant pilots from Alitalia to Etihad on a voluntary basis.” Under terms of the deal, up to 2,200 jobs could be lost at Alitalia, including 122 flight crew. Etihad may also ground up to 14 of Alitalia’s A320s.