ROME // Alitalia’s chief executive said yesterday that he welcomes a potential acquisition of a stake in Rome’s airport by an Abu Dhabi investment fund.
“We are perfectly aware of the ongoing discussions between Abu Dhabi Investment Authority [Adia] and Aeroporti di Roma. Adia is a suitable stakeholder to be involved in these discussions,” said Silvano Cassano, Alitalia’s new chief executive at a joint press conference held by the Italian national carrier and Etihad Airways in Rome.
“We welcome any investment from Adia in Aeroporti di Roma, but of course we consider ourselves spectators.”
Adia, however, declined to comment when contacted by The National.
The Italian press has previously reported that Atlantia, the company that controls Aeroporti di Roma, is in discussions with several investors from the Arabian Gulf for a potential stake sale.
The company reportedly hired Goldman Sachs and Boston Consulting Group in October to advise on the sale of a 20 per cent holding worth around €800 million (Dh3.4 billion) to interested sovereign and infrastructure funds.
Among the reported bidders are the Kuwait Investment Authority and Qatar Holding.In 2013, according to Airports Council International, Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumucino airport was the world’s 34th busiest with more than 36 million passengers.
The presence of Adia in the discussions follows Etihad's acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in the Italian carrier last year in a deal worth more than €1.7bn.
Investing in European airports falls in line with Adia’s strategy to target fast-growing high cash flow hubs.
It already owns a minority stake in the UK’s Gatwick Airport, which grew at twice the rate of London’s Heathrow last year in terms of passenger numbers.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
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Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
SPECS
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The%20Specs
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company%20Profile
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
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On sale: now
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Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
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The studios taking part (so far)
- Punch
- Vogue Fitness
- Sweat
- Bodytree Studio
- The Hot House
- The Room
- Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
- Cryo
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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