Italian airline will save $39.1 million

Italy's struggling Alitalia airline said it would lay off 690 workers in a bid to save $39.1 million in operating expenses. ANSA reported Tuesday the layoffs would involve 300 flight crew workers, 300 ground operations workers and 90 maintenance staff workers. Chief Executive Officer Andrea Ragnetti said in July it would take until 2013 for the struggling airline to return to making a profit. "Many sacrifices are still necessary and we have to remain united and determined," he said at the time, predicting a profit in 2013 "after more than 20 years of losses."