US airline deal talk intensifies

Alitalia gets last-minute rescue
An Italian investors' group says it will go ahead with a rescue offer for Alitalia, despite lack of agreement with some unions.

Boeing unions 'reach strike deal'
US planemaker Boeing has reached a tentative deal to end a strike by assembly workers, says a union spokesman.

Aer Lingus axe up to 1,500 jobs
Unions are to ballot for all-out industrial action as Aer Lingus announces plans to cut up to 1,500 jobs.

Unions backing Alitalia rescue
A 1bn-euro bail-out of Italian airline Alitalia wins the support of the last two unions who had been opposing the deal.

Nomura up on talk of Lehman buy
Shares in Japanese bank Nomura gain 10% as speculation grows that it is buying the Asian arm of Lehman Brothers.