Ryanair (FR, Dublin International) continues to be interested in establishing a cooperation with Alitalia (AZA, Rome Fiumicino), wherein the Irish low-cost carrier would feed the hubs at Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, Dow Jones Newswire has reported. However, Ryanair is definitely not interested in acquiring equity in the struggling Italian flag carrier.
"We are ready to offer feeder services on the national routes. The long haul in Rome and Milan is very important for Italy, as is short haul to the regions. In the past we have proposed to Alitalia to work together and the offer is still open," Chief Commercial Officer David O'Brien said.
He underlined that the activities of the two carriers are largely complementary and not competitive.
O'Brien admitted that Ryanair has not met the new Minister of Transport Danilo Toninelli since he assumed office on June 1, although O'Brien said that the Italian government is "aware" of the carrier's offer.
According to the ch-aviation capacity module, Italy is currently Ryanair's third-largest country of departure with 18.35% of all its flights departing from there. It is also by far the largest domestic market for the LCC - it offers 1302 weekly domestic departures in Italy. Ryanair serves a total of 29 airports in Italy, and out of 26 it offers domestic services.
In turn, Alitalia offers 2210 weekly domestic departures but only serves 22 airports in the country.
