On November 17, Italian carrier Alitalia denied press reports that it was in partnership talks with Thai Airways.

"No contact is under way between the offices of the two airlines," Alitalia said in a statement.

Earlier on November 17, Thai Airways Executive Vice President Wallop Bhukkanasut said in an interview with Reuters that his company was holding informal talks with Alitalia.

Wallop stressed in the interview that Thai Airways wanted to boost its lucrative routes between Europe and Asia.

Alitalia, which has not reported an annual profit since 2002, warned that total losses for this year would exceed its 2005 losses of more than 221 million euros, the local reports said.

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi recently held emergency talks with Alitalia management to see what options were open to the company.

Alitalia is currently part of the SkyTeam global alliance and has long been seeking a partnership with Air France KLM, Europe's biggest airline.

But Air France KLM has said talks can only move ahead if Alitalia resolves its financial problems.Alitalia would face a hefty fine if it withdraws from SkyTeam.

On November 16, the airline was given a boost when October data showed a 2.6 percent rise in the number of passengers flying Alitalia.

But it faces fresh turbulence next month when trade unions are planning a one-day strike.