The company ITA Airways now operates a network of some fifty destinationsof which 23 are short-haul (Europe/North Africa/Middle East), 19 within Italy and 9 intercontinental. " We have resumed our intercontinental services where there was traditionally strong demand. This means to the United States - in particular New York and Miami - but also Brazil and Argentina" says Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales.
" In the coming weeks, however, we are resuming services to Asia. From 5 November, we will be starting our flights on Tokyo Haneda in November and December will see the launch of routes to India and the Maldives. We will be flying to New Delhi in India, which has a long history of major traffic." he adds.
The Fiumicino advantage
All intercontinental flights depart from Rome Fiumicinowith the exception of a flight from Milan Malpensa to New York. From Rome, ITA to offer three weekly frequencies to Tokyo Haneda and Delhi. The aircraft put on the route will be an Airbus A330.
The Fiumicino hub has been revitalised, offering fast connections between Europe and the airline's intercontinental or Italian network. " Fiumicino is a real asset in Europe. Firstly, because the airport has been spectacularly renovated. And also, because this summer it proved that it offers a great punctuality. From January to August 2022, we achieved 82.1% punctuality and 99.9% regularity. This is a good performance when compared with many other European hubs." says Pierfrancesco Carino.
Seven to eight daily flights to France
Milan Linate is ITA's second hub, but it remains mainly practical for point-to-point traffic and for a few connections, mainly within Italy. " Our French traffic is doing rather well from Paris CDG and Paris Orly" says Samy Addou, ITA's Director for France.
This winter, ITA is serving Milan from Paris-Orly with four daily frequencies. While since CDGthe company is offering three daily flights to Rome and three daily flights to Linate. Departing from NiceITA dessert this winter Rome with one or two daily flights. " We had very strong demand this summer in the leisure segment. But the business traffic now resumes, particularly on the Orly-Milan route" adds Samy Addou.
For the moment, no other stopovers in France are envisaged. But the arrival of new aircraft in 2023 could mean a probable expansion of the network. And that could mean some pleasant surprises in France.
The rise of ITA Airways in Europe is thus based on a completely renewed fleet by 2025. By the end of 2021, the carrier had placed a firm order with Airbus for 28 devicesof which seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos. It will also continue to rent Airbus A350 to complete its fleet. The aim is to have a fleet of 100 new-generation aircraft by the end of 2009. 2026.
