The Italian state is injecting 3 billion euros, equivalent to just over 32 billion kronor, into the struggling airline Alitalia, according to statements from the country's Minister of Industry on Thursday.

Alitalia has gone through eleven years of difficulties in achieving profitability through a long series of reorganizations under private ownership, something that culminated during the corona crisis when the company's existence was threatened.

The deepened state commitment will now mean the airline will focus on long-haul routes and enter into a new alliance with a transatlantic partner, Economy Minister Stefano Patuanelli said on Thursday, according to Reuters.

The Minister of Industry and Trade also stressed that the government intends to do everything in its power to preserve jobs at the airline.

Source: Direct News Agency