Jean-Claude Couturier, an Air France spokesman, said that Jean- Cyril Spinetta, the French carrier's chairman, met last month with Alitalia's chairman, Fausto Cereti.

"Air France is talking to Alitalia, along with other airlines" about possible alliances, Mr. Couturier said. He declined to comment on Italian news reports that an agreement might be signed in May.

Alitalia, Italy's largest airline, has been looking for a partner since KLM Royal Dutch Airlines pulled out of their alliance last April. Francesco Mengozzi, Alitalia's chief executive, has said that the airline was talking to Air France and KLM and hoped to announce an ally before shareholders meet in late May.
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