Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) has reportedly struck a deal with Alitalia (AZA, Rome Fiumicino). Italy's Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi told ANSA newswire, "I can't but express satisfaction for the formalization of Etihad's interest in Alitalia. It is an important sign that shows the path taken by the government two months ago to safeguard our country's strategic air transport interests, and that of its historic company, was the right one." No disclosure was made on the exact amount to be invested but Reuters has pointed to a EUR350million (USD478.38million) investment in return for 49% in the struggling Italian national carrier.