The Italian pilots’ union has said two Alitalia SpA planes have been sabotaged while undergoing maintenance at Naples airport last week, The Times reports Tuesday. Two MD80 aircraft were damaged - cables were cut in the tail section of one aircraft and the seal around the rear door of another - on the eve of emergency talks to save the debt-ridden state-controlled airline.

The incidents appear to be linked to the talks between Prime Minister Romano Prodi, management and unions on job cuts and investment that come after months of strikes and protests over restructuring plans.

Fabio Berti, head of the Italian pilots’ association, said it was unclear who the perpetrators were, but added it wasn’t the first time Alitalia planes had been sabotaged.
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