What is Alitalia?

Alitalia is the Italian National Airline, which is de facto a government agency akin to the MTA or PATH in local parlance. It was founded in l946 It is NOT an acronym for, and this is funny: Alcoholic Longshoremen, Illiterate Truck drivers and Ladies In Attendance!) Line has been in business under this name since l946 (has been honored on Italian stamps) Do not confuse with the not-directly related Maritime Italian Line. That"s a separate company. Goodbye Columbus