Alitalia successor to launch in October

The successor of Alitalia, currently named ITA - Italia Trasporto Aereo is set to launch in October after the company received all the necessary approvals from the European Commission.

Initially, ITA will launch with a fleet of 45 narrowbodies (ERJ175/190 and A320s) as well as seven widebodies (all B777s). Next year the fleet should grow to 78, with half of the growth coming from additional widebody aircraft. By 2025 ITA should operate 105 planes. According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the new carrier is also close to placing orders with both Airbus and Boeing for the A320neo-family as well as B787s.

ITA is planning to first fly to 45 destinations at its launch, growing to 74 in 2025. It will operate out of Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino and will initially employ almost 3,000 co-workers.

In a press-statement, ITA has said that using the Alitalia-brand is a key success factor for the new airline but the EC has said the airline is not allowed to use the old name unless it pays for it. Therefore the administrators of Alitalia are planning to hold an open auction for the Alitalia-branding later this year with ITA planning to place a bid for the brand. However, as the auction will be open, the brand could also be bought by other bidders.

Photo by Alitalia.