Alitalia between Lufthansa and Delta, why (maybe) Germans are the best partner

These are hot, hot, hot days for Alitalia as perhaps these past 24 months of receivership have never been.

Yesterday, Corriere.it, the Italian media that has covered the flag carrier the most during this period, explained in detail the situation of the international alliance.

The general public is interested in whether salaries are paid to employees or the validity or otherwise of tickets purchased on Alitalia to fly with ITA, but if we are to talk about a raise in addition to the name (which should be auctioned in the coming days) what matters most is the industrial partner and the rules under which ITA will be able to sit at the table.

Alitalia has always been Skyteam member, but as an invited diner never as the organizer of the dinner, this means that others always decided for her.

Delta and Air France first limited expansion to the U.S. as much as possible, to keep passengers and thus profits at home. Then they formed a new coalition with Virgin Atlantic, to which AZ was not even invited.

Lufthansa instead tries to attract ITA by proposing an entry into StarAlliance, the alliance that includes United and Singapore Airlines, among others, with full powers. This means total freedom to open routes to any market the company intends to fly to.

The difference is abysmal because alliances allow flights in codeshare/connection and this would allow AZ (who knows if it will keep this code for its flights) to be able to redesign the network according to the richer trades, when they come back of course.

Not only does LH offer its platform before it even enters the share capital. This means for our company would have a chance to be treated as a great customer and not a customer to be fleeced when ordering new aircraft, parts. Or, more importantly, it would have the ability to leverage the entire IT infrastructure, the real driving asset-as well as aircraft-for a premium carrier.

Of course, Lufthansa doesn't give away anything, indeed, on the plate initially would not even put any money, but this could also be an advantage for the new Alitalia. Being born independent allows Lazzerini and his team to use the three billion euros at their disposal in the best way. And if, and when, the new partner arrives the situation will hopefully be different from the current one. also allowing the state to recoup some of the investment made.

Pandemic is actually helping Alitalia, travel world is still congealed. The restart for the summer season has not occurred and if it comes it will, unfortunately, be less than expected. This means that the new ITA has not lost even more ground, but we must be honest: it is now or never.

In the meantime, renewals of agreements with MSC for Northern European cruises and news of salary payments are welcome, but now the final go-ahead is needed from Europe to arrive by the time the winter schedule with Italy's new flag carrier comes into effect.

I have already stated my views on the alliance and, as enrolled in the Millemiglia program, as well as Alitalia serial mileage accumulator, the move to Star Alliance would definitely be a major upgrade for those who want to travel using points and miles.

• Millemiglia