Less than two months ago, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi strongly opposed Air France-KLM bids to buy the ailing Italian carrier Alitalia, but now, he seems willing to admit that the Franco-Dutch company may serve as a good associate for the Italian carrier after all-a new twist to the story of this airline.

According to a report by Reuters, the Italian Prime Minister raised the issue of the Italian carrier and promising French support in the privatization of the ailing carrier when he met with France's Nicolas Sarkozy this afternoon.

At a press conference, Mr. Berlusconi said, "Alitalia will need to find accords with international partners and … Air France could be a good solution".

Although Berlusconi now seems interested in striking up a fresh round of talks with Air France-KLM, the Franco-Dutch carrier does not look as if interested so far.

Air France's efforts to buy the ailing Italian carrier faced severe problems due to unbending Italian unions and Mr. Berlusconi's own disagreement to the deal, which he then said was unacceptable.

With these unsuccessful talks in mind, Air France has indicated during the past few days that it was not trying again.

Currentyly, Alitalia is not only racking up a daily deficit of about €2 billion, but continued fall in the bookings, because of the uncertainty over the carrier's future, apart from the challenges faced by all other airline companies in the face of continuously rising prices or oil.