The new Italian national airline ITA could take off on 15 October – initially with 52 aircraft. It is not yet decided whether its name will be Alitalia or not.
Italy’s new national airline Italia Trasporto Arrio ITA will launch on 15 October. The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced this on Thursday (July 15). It said talks with the European Commission had ended in a positive manner. A “creative and balanced solution” has been reached. Brussels had pushed for a clear break between Alitalia and ITA.
The new Alitalia will start with 2,800 employees, increasing to 5,750 in 2022. The fleet will initially consist of 52 aircraft (seven long-range and 45 short-range aircraft), and 78 aircraft (13 and 65) by 2022. From 2022, then the fleet will be gradually renewed like a portal Italy Fly writes. This will increase to 105 aircraft (23 and 82) by the end of 2025. The new airline can take up more than 85 percent of the slots that Alitalia currently holds at Milan Linate Airport and 43 percent at Rome Fiumicino.
New Frequent Flyer Program
A central requirement of the European Union is being implemented. ITA does not automatically get the brand name Alitalia. It will be publicly advertised for sale, but the new airline can bid. Also, it cannot take over the Frequent Flyer program but has to start it on its own. Handling and maintenance activities are also advertised for sale.
