Italy’s Alitalia has received around 10 non-binding offers for total or partial take-over, including from UAE national carrier Etihad Airways and budget airline Ryanair.

The deadline for the loss-making company to receive non-binding offers was 6:00 pm local time (1600 GMT).

Alitalia, which has struggled to compete with low-cost rivals including Ryanair, went into administration at the start of May, moving the flagship airline a step closer to liquidation as efforts continue to find a buyer.

About 18 companies expressing an interest in a potential purchase had reportedly been given access to the company’s figures, including Delta Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Easyjet and Ryanair.