Eithad and Poste Italiane are preparing a partnership after the Gulf airline makes an investment in Alitalia. Eithad will sign a deal in which it will take a 49% stake in Alitalia. Italy hopes the investment will turn around the failing airline which has only made a profit a few times in its 68 year history. Two executives from both firms, James Hogan of Eithad and Francesco Caio Alitalia, met in Rome and talked over the potential deal. The two executives spoke on possible synergies relating to ticket sales, holiday insurance policies and e-commerce. They will continue their talks next week.