IATA: AZ | ICAO: ITY | Callsign: AIR ITALIA

Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Primary Hub: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), with major connecting hub at Milan Linate (LIN)

Alliance: Member of SkyTeam (joined February 2021)

Overview

ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) is the flag carrier of Italy, established in October 2021 as the successor to the bankrupt Alitalia. Operating from Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Italy’s largest airport, and Milan Linate (LIN), ITA Airways serves as a strategic national carrier focused on European connectivity, transatlantic service, and sustainable aviation renewal. As a SkyTeam member and codeshare partner with Lufthansa Group, Air France-KLM, and Delta Air Lines, ITA plays a pivotal role in integrating Italy into global alliance networks while modernizing its fleet and operations for long-term viability.

Aerospace Significance

Modern, Lean Fleet Strategy with OEM Transition

ITA Airways operates a young, fuel-efficient fleet transitioning from legacy Alitalia types to next-generation aircraft:

• Airbus: A220-300, A320neo, A321neo, A321LR, A330-900, A350-900 (on order)
• Former fleet: A319, A320ceo, A330-200 (phased out)This strategic shift enables:

This strategic shift enables:

• Comparative analysis of narrowbody efficiency (A220 vs. A320neo) on regional and transalpine routes
• Evaluation of long-haul twin-engine performance (A330neo, future A350) on transatlantic operations
• Study of fleet rationalization after legacy carrier restructuring

Fleet Lifecycle & Modernization Programs

ITA has implemented a comprehensive fleet renewal plan:

• Phased out older, inefficient aircraft from Alitalia’s fleet
• Introduced A220-300 for regional and thin routes (e.g., FCO–ZRH, LIN–FCO)
• Deployed A330-900 for long-haul routes (e.g., FCO–JFK, FCO–SIN)
• Ordered Airbus A350-900 to replace A330-900 in future long-haul fleet
• Mid-life cabin retrofits featuring:

1. New Business Class (1-2-1 seating)
2. Slimline Economy with enhanced IFE and power

Sustainability & Emissions Reduction

• Committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a target of 10% SAF usage by 2030.
• Operated Italy’s first commercial flight using SAF-blended fuel (FCO–MXP, 2022).
• Invests in domestic SAF development via partnerships with ENI, Aeroporti di Roma, and HEFA Consortium Italy.
• Implements operational efficiency measures such as:

1. Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) at FCO and LIN
2. Single-engine taxiing
3. Weight reduction (e.g., digital manuals, lighter catering)
4. Collaboration with ENAC (Italian CAA) and EUROCONTROL on optimized routing

Engineering & Maintenance Capabilities

ITA Engineering

Operates a regional MRO network with major bases at:

• Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – heavy checks and modifications
• Milan Malpensa (MXP) – line maintenance and component repair
• ENAC and EASA Part 145 certified; performs C-checks, modifications, and component overhaul
• Partners with Lufthansa Technik, Airbus, and Alitalia’s former maintenance units for specialized work

Digital Operations & Predictive Maintenance

Leverages real-time aircraft health monitoring via:

• Airbus Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system
• Proprietary analytics platforms for fault prediction and maintenance scheduling

Supports high dispatch reliability in a growing, modern fleet environment.

Strategic Partnerships & Alliances

Full member of SkyTeam since February 2021, enabling seamless connectivity with:

• Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines

Deep commercial and codeshare agreements with:

• Lufthansa Group (Germany)
• Air France-KLM (France/Netherlands)
• Delta Air Lines (transatlantic)
• Emirates (via interline)

Equity and operational support from Lufthansa Group (minority stake, technical partnership)

Collaborates with Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and SEA Group (Milan) on:

• Terminal modernization at FCO and LIN
• GSE electrification and sustainable ground operations
• Data-sharing for punctuality and cargo throughput

Operational Excellence & Case Studies

National Carrier Restructuring & Fleet Reset

ITA Airways was launched as a clean-sheet airline to replace Alitalia, which ceased operations in 2021.

• Key initiatives:

1. Reduced workforce and debt burden
2. Transition to younger, more efficient fleet
3. Focus on profitability over market share

• Offers insights into airline insolvency, government-backed relaunch, and fleet modernization under fiscal constraints

Transatlantic Network via SkyTeam JVs

ITA leverages its SkyTeam partnerships to compete on long-haul routes:

• Codeshare and coordinated scheduling with Air France, KLM, and Delta on JFK, LAX, and MIA routes
• Uses A330-900 for efficient medium-capacity long-haul operations
• Informs studies on JV-based network growth without full equity ownership

Profitability Through Premium Yield & European Connectivity

High load factors on business-heavy routes (e.g., FCO–JFK, LIN–FCO, FCO–MUC) support revenue stability.

• Strong brand loyalty and MilleMiglia program (now managed by ITA in partnership with Lufthansa) enhance customer retention.

Relevance to Aerospace Research & Development

ITA Airways is a strategic partner in:

• Legacy carrier restructuring and fleet reset
• A220 and A330neo integration in European full-service operations
• SAF adoption and Southern European fuel infrastructure development
• Predictive maintenance and AI-driven analytics in mid-tier carriers
• ATM modernization in congested Mediterranean airspace
• Urban air mobility (UAM) via research partnerships with Italian aerospace startups (e.g., Leonardo, Beta Technologies Italy)