Doha – Negotiations between the Ministry, Meridiana and Qatar Airways have reached a new stage. As the three discuss how to best manage Qatar Airways buying into Meridiana, a plan presented last week promises to revive within three years the Italian company, on condition that 900 be cut, almost half of the staff. Qatar Airways is ready to buy a 49% stake in the Sardinian company, injecting fresh capital to resume activities. For now, there is only a non-binding MoU signed February 3, and Meridiana would like to conclude the deal by March. However, layoffs and the new contract (ie the two conditions laid out by Qatar Airways) worry both the trade unions and employees. On 29 February, Italian Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi will go to Doha. (9Colonne)
