British Airways is considering cooperation with Alitalia, BA chief executive Willie Walsh told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"A partnership with Alitalia is certainly possible, if the CAI investor group restructuring really succeeds," the CEO told the paper in an interview published on Thursday.

CAI plans to merge the most viable parts of Alitalia with rival Air One and is currently looking for a partner abroad.

British Airways is also interested in buying a stake in its UK rival bmi, even though it is part-owned by competitor Lufthansa, Walsh added.

"We are observing the development of bmi very carefully and we are interested in any acquisition that strengthens our position at Heathrow," the CEO said.

Lufthansa holds 30 percent in bmi together with the option to lift its holding in the airline.

Asked about Austrian Airlines, Walsh said that the company is a "better strategic fit for Lufthansa."