Italy’s state-owned post office is to step in to help save the country’s near-bankrupt airline Alitalia.
The Italian government did not say how much the post office, Poste SpA, would be investing.
The airline needs to raise €455m to stay in business.
Industry observers believe a merger with Air France-KLM, which already owns 25% of Alitalia, is the most likely long term solution to its problems.
But Air France-KLM has not yet made any comment on its plans.
Earlier this week, An Italian oil firm threatened to cut off fuel supplies to Alitalia unless it can reach a deal to keep its business going.
