Alitalia is continuing to invest in improving the quality of service offered to its passengers, particularly business travellers. The latest example is the inauguration of two new "showcase" lounges - the flagship loungesat Rome's Fiumicino and Milan's Malpensa airports. These two inaugurations mark the launch of the new business lounge conceptchristened "Casa AlitaliaCasa Alitalia is the embodiment of Italian hospitality. Conceived in-house and designed by local architect Marco Piva - whose credits include the Feng Tai Financial Centre in Beijing and the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan - Casa Alitalia "has been conceived to resemble an Italian home rather than a public space", says the press release. " With Casa Alitalia, we will be showcasing Italian excellence and style in an elegant yet relaxed setting, where a warm welcome and attention to detail will make our guests from all over the world feel at home in a typical Italian home. "insists Cramer Ball, CEO of Alitalia.
To achieve this, the Italian airline relied on local partners: Poltrona Frau for the furniture, Cantine Ferrari for the sparkling wine, Terme di Sirmione for the wellness products and - of course - Lavazza for the coffee. But Alitalia wanted to go even further, by playing the gastronomy card. This new Casa Alitalia includes a live cooking areaA chef will prepare a selection of transalpine dishes for passengers twice a day. Business travellers who miss the culinary show will still be able to make up for it at the buffet or bar, including passengers who are vegetarian or gluten intolerant... This Casa Italia also includes a business zone, a restaurant and a bar. VIP areas and meeting rooms. Bathrooms with showers and even a library are also available for travellers in a hurry.
We want to become the best airline in Europe
These two inaugurations are part of a lounge renovation plan initiated in October 2015, which has already been completed at the airports of Venice, Catania and Linate (Milan), as well as at the former 'Dolce Vita' lounge at Rome Fiumicino. Naples Capodichino, New York's JFK and Rome Fiumicino's Young Lounge for unaccompanied minors will follow shortly, pending two other inaugurations at the Rome hub: one at 'Molo B' next September, the other in the new 'Molo F' in early 2017.
These various investments reflect the company's new ambitions, which are aimed at nothing less than European leadership, according to its CEO: " We want to become the best company in EuropeTo achieve this, we need to offer our passengers an excellent service, before, during and after their flight. "warns Cramer Ball.
