(Adds Qatar statements, details and background)
ROME, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Air Italy's investors have agreed
to place the struggling Italian carrier into liquidation, the
airline said on Tuesday, citing "persistent and structural
market problems".
The decision was taken "unanimously", the carrier said, but
in a separate statement Qatar Airways, which holds a 49% stake,
said it would have been ready to support the relaunch and growth
of the airline.
"Once again, Qatar Airways was ready to play its role in
supporting the relaunch and growth of the airline, but this
would only have been possible with the commitment of all
shareholders," Qatar said.
Formerly known as Meridiana, Air Italy is the country's
second-largest airline, behind Alitalia. Regional
carrier Alisarda, controlled by the Agha Khan, owns the
remaining 51%.
(Reporting by Francesca Landini and Giulia Segreti. Editing by
Jane Merriman)