Compagnia Aerea Italiana (CAI) is the name of a consortium that bought all the profitable activities of the Italian flagship airline, Alitalia, and Air One, a local airline, on 12 December 2008.^[1] In September 2008, CAI made an offer^[2] and finally reached an agreement with labor unions^[3] that allowed the consortium to merge the two airlines.

The consortium was created by major Italian entrepreneurs and financial institutions, called to action by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during the 2008 election race and the first months of his term. Under the terms of the agreement, CAI will free Alitalia of its debts and will also merge with AirOne, a local airline. CAI is liable for all Alitalia expenses per 1 December 2008. The name of CAI was changed to “Alitalia” on 30 December 2008. The new company will start from 13 January 2009 with the assets of (old) Alitalia and Air One.

CAI is the subject of controversies. Many believe the sale of Alitalia to CAI is being subsidized by the Italian taxpayer.

On 12 January 2009, Air France-KLM were chosen as the future partner by CAI. They will take a 25% share in Alitalia.

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