For 73 years, it symbolised Italy around the world. On 9 October this year, Alitalia officially went out of business. It will be replaced by a new entity, ITA -Italia Trasporti Aereo. It is not yet certain whether this name will ultimately be retained. What is certain, however, is that Alitalia has lived on.
The decree was signed by the government at the end of last week. It aims to create a new national public airline to replace the current one. Alitaliasunk in debt. The company has not made a profit since 2002. and the covid crisis precipitated its decline.
" The overhaul is the first step towards creating a high-quality transport company that is competitive on the international market." said the Finance Minister in a statement.
"The new national airline is being born today in a clear break with the past, and it will have to play a leading role on the international market. This is a major industrial operation at the service of the country, to support the competitiveness of our businesses and revive Italian tourism", explained Paola De Micheli, Italy's Minister of Transport.
ITA to take off in early 2021
The new carrier is called ITA- Italia Trasporti Aero. But its commercial name could be somewhat different. Paola De Micheli mentioned the names "Alitalia ITA" or "ITAliana". The latter name would have the advantage of enabling the public to immediately identify the new entity with Italy.
At 100%, the company will be in state hands, but this is only a transitional stage. It will have to return to private hands as soon as possible.
On Friday, the government appointed the main managers of the new airline. Within 30 days, they must present a new five-year development plan for the carrier. The Italian government has already established the terms and conditions for the company's €3 billion financial bailout. The European Commission will then have to approve the recovery plan, since it controls state aid.
According to initial information, ITA should officially be operating its first flights in early 2021. It would have a fleet of 90 aircraft with the possibility of expanding to 100 aircraft in the future. It would employ 6,500 people instead of the 11,000 working for Alitalia. And it will be concentrating particularly on high-quality long-haul services from its Rome Fiumicino. Asia and North America should be priorities for ITA's future development.
In the meantime, passengers nostalgic for the old Alitalia will still have a few months to travel on the carrier and admire its logo on aircraft and in airports.
