Will Qatar Airways buy Air Italy?................................No they say......but it increases its shareholding in IAG

There has been much aviation media speculation in recent days that the Doha based and minority shareholder of the liquidated Air Italy,  Qatar Airways was poised to buy out the remaining 51% of the Italian company.

However, Qatar Airways confirmed on Friday it was not interested in rescuing Air Italy,  in a statement, it said, "Qatar Airways is no longer interested in investing in Air Italy or in any other air transport project in Italy,".  However, it promised that it would do all it could as minority shareholder for workers and passengers.

But other investments certainly were on the table earlier in the week as the Qatari airline confirmed it had increased its shareholding in International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. - IAG the parent of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Level and Vueling. 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr Akbar Al Baker stated, “Our investment to date has been highly successful and the announced increase in our shareholding is evidence of our continued support of IAG and its strategy.”  The firm has increased its stag in IAG from 21.4 per cent to 25.1 per cent.

“Qatar Airways continues to consider opportunities to invest in airlines and support management teams that share our vision to enhance travel opportunities for airline passengers across the globe.”Al Baker said. 

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Liquidation of Air Italy.

Even with the might of the Aga Khan and Qatar Airways behind it, Italy's second-largest carrier could survive the winter and has gone into the liquidation process.

Air Italy confirmed today what many in the industry have been expecting for days, if not weeks and that the end was nigh for the troubled carrier. It's shareholders, the Aga Khan founded Alisarda which owned 51% and Qatar Airways which held 49% have decided on “liquidazione in bonis” of the company.

Qatar Airways took a minor stake in the airline, formally known as Meridiana back in September 2017 and supported Air Italy's business plan for growth, inflight service, job creation and long-haul routes.  In a statement issued on Tuesday, after news broke of the liquidation of Air Italy, the Gulf carrier said it "Has continuously provided all possible support to Air Italy right from the beginning, from releasing aircraft from our fleet and ordering new aircraft for Air Italy, to backing management choices and injecting capital and investment as required and permitted."  

Oman Air and Air Italy signs code-share agreement

Passengers of Oman Air and Air Italy are enjoying the benefits of a great new codeshare deal which sees Air Italy’s “IG” code being placed on Oman Air’s flights between Milan Malpensa and Muscat.  At the same time, Oman Air has put the “WY” code on Air Italy flights between Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Cagliari in Sardinia, Palermo and Catania in Sicily, and Lamezia Terme.  But that's not all  - Oman Air’s code will also be on  Air Italy’s  US flights from Milan to New York and Miami.

Oman Air CEO Abdulaziz Al Raisi said: “We are proud and delighted with our new partnership with Air Italy. This codeshare agreement will make it so much easier for travellers from throughout Italy to visit our beautiful country of Oman. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all major Italian cities to come to our country to experience our renowned Omani hospitality."

He added: “This partnership with Air Italy is also a significant development for our airline. It marks Oman Air’s foray into North America with these codeshares offering Oman Air customers access on Air Italy flights to New York and Miami, via their Milan hub airport. This is an exciting milestone for our airline, and we look forward to expanding our global coverage in the months ahead.”

Air Italy celebrates new partners and destinations with their best sale for 2020

Up to 25% discount available on selected routes from Air Italy and its partners.Book from December 26th to January 9th and fly from January 7th to October 24th 2020 to Italy, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, with discounts of up to 25%

Air Italy has announced its biggest sale of the year, just in time for New Year’s travel planning. With new partners and unprecedented global access, it’s the perfect opportunity to “Imagine The World Differently” with Air Italy’s premium A330 fleet and tailored inflight experience (only like the Italians can do.)

Book from December 26th to January 9th and fly from January 7th to October 24th 2020 to Italy, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, with discounts of up to 25%.

Thanks to Air Italy’s Airline Partners, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, from March 29th to October 24th 2020, travellers can also reach Italy from Anchorage, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City and many others US cities, with the same terms and conditions.

Air Italy signs codeshare agreement with Oman Air

Air Italy and Oman Air have entered into a codeshare partnership to offer customers enhanced connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and seven major destinations in Italy, effective today.

Under the agreement, Air Italy’s “IG” code is being placed on Oman Air’s flights between Milan Malpensa and Muscat, which are all on sale on the airitaly.com website. At the same time Oman Air is putting its “WY” code on Air Italy flights between Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino, Naples, Cagliari (Sardinia), Palermo and Catania (Sicily), and Lamezia Terme (Calabria).

Additionally, as a next step, Oman Air’s code will also be added to Air Italy’s Milan-New York and Milan-Miami flights, subject to the necessary government approvals.

Air Italy unveils special 5-Day Black Friday campaign

Air Italy offers up to 25% discount on flights to entire network with unique Black Friday promotion

Air Italy has unveiled a spectacular range of offers across its entire network lasting a full five days to celebrate "Black Friday".

Until December 2nd, the airline is offering up to 25% discount off all flights operated in Italy from December 5th 2019 to October 24th 2020, as well as to the United States, Canada, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Book here now:

Dream destinations are just a click away, offering all travellers the chance to discover new and unexpected destinations at great prices, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, the Maldives, Zanzibar, Mombasa, Tenerife, Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, Dakar, Accra and Lagos.

Roberto Spada appointed Air Italy Chairman

Air Italy has announced that its Board of Directors appointed Mr. Roberto Spada as Director and Chairman. The appointment of Mr. Spada follows the stepping down of former Chairman Francesco Violante, a move which had been planned for several months, and which took effect from October 31st.

Mr. Violante had been a member of the Board and Chairman since his appointment in Sept 2017, overseeing numerous changes in the airline during his Chairmanship, including its relaunch in February 2018 as Air Italy. He was thanked by the Board of Directors for his invaluable commitment and effort during his time as Chairman, and the Board wished him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Welcoming the new Chairman, the Air Italy Board of Directors congratulated Mr. Spada on his appointment and wished him every success in his new duties as Chairman of Air Italy.

Roberto Spada has been a member of the Milan Association of Certified Accountants and a registered independent auditor since 1987. He has extensive expertise in the M&A sector and in the tax and corporate fields, specifically in relation to private equity fund transactions. He has held and continues to hold a number of positions in medium and large sized companies, listed and not listed, in the industrial, luxury, banking and financial sectors.

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Air Italy appoints Yousef Elzaro as Chief Financial Officer

Air Italy is delighted to announce that Yousef Elzaro has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Air Italy starting November 8th, 2019.

Mr Elzaro joins Air Italy after more than 25 successful years in the aviation industry in the USA, the Gulf and the Middle East region as a finance professional, assisting in the growth of multiple airlines and airports, including start-up and global leaders.

In his new role, Mr Elzaro will be responsible for overseeing all financial strategies and operations of Air Italy, including Procurement.

Air Italy Chief Operating Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: "As we continue to evolve and grow, it is vital that we enhance our management team and I am therefore delighted to welcome Elzaro on board.

Shiju Thomas appointed Chief Information Officer of Air Italy

Air Italy has released news that Shiju Thomas has been appointed its Chief Information Officer from  November 8th, 2019. Thomas joins the Italian airline with more than 24 years of information technology (IT) experience in the aviation industry.  In the new role, he will be leading the airline’s Digital Transformation and overseeing all IT needs at Air Italy.

Air Italy Chief Operating Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: "With the ever-increasing importance of digital across every sphere of our lives, it is vital that we continue with our own digital transformation across all parts of the business, and I’m very pleased to be able to welcome Shiju to the Air Italy team. “With more than 24 years of IT experience in multiple major airlines, Shiju’s skills, knowledge and rich experience will undoubtedly enable Air Italy to rapidly fast-forward our digital capabilities, as we innovate in all parts of our business both internally and externally.

Olbia runway closure update from Air Italy

Due to the closure of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) from February 3rd 2020 to March 13th 2020 for renovation works, Air Italy will not be serving OLB to or from either Rome Fiumicino or Milan Linate during this time.

As the PSO scheme under which Alitalia operates for the Alghero Airport under Decree n. 61/2013 provides exclusivity and financial compensation and is different from the PSO scheme under which Air Italy operates under Decree n. 367/2018 for its Olbia Airport PSO routes, Air Italy is not able to transfer any flights to Alghero Airport during this time. The two different PSO schemes make any operation by Air Italy to Alghero Airport untenable.

Starting from today, the flights during the above indicated period will be closed for sale. The last two flights operated will be Olbia-Rome Fiumicino flight (IG1111) and Olbia-Milan Linate flight (IG1225). Post March 13th, 2020, tickets to and from OLB are on sale through until the end of the current PSO scheme on April 16th 2020.

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New winter flights from Air Italy take to the skies.

Air Italy’s first non-stop flight to Malè, (IG995), was inaugurated last week, taking off from Milan Malpensa at 1815 on Tuesday. 

The Milan–Maldives route, together with the flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa, which started on Friday were also joined last week by the inaugural flight to Tenerife as part of  the airline’s new winter season lineup.

As VIPs and dignitaries gathered to celebrate at the airline’s Milan Malpensa hub, there was a traditional cake and ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the departure of the A330 aircraft.

Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov, said: "Air Italy is absolutely delighted to inaugurate its winter season with the launch of this new service for the Maldives, in the same week as our new services to Mombasa, Tenerife and Zanzibar. For the current season, we are offering a great selection of the most sought-after destinations by Italians.

A more competitive air transport industry could generate 200,000 more jobs in Italy

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) which represents some 290 airlines comprising 82% of global air traffic has released a new study showing that a more competitive air transport sector in Italy could generate nearly €20 billion in extra GDP to the nation’s economy and more than 200,000 additional jobs by 2037.

The IATA study, Italy Air Transport Regulatory Competitiveness Indicators, has found that although Italy’s aviation sector is competitive in terms of passenger and cargo facilitation, its airport and passenger taxes and charges are the seventh highest in the region, making Italy more expensive as a business destination and a less attractive choice for tourists. Italy’s application of Smarter Regulation principles also lags its regional peers, and airport and air traffic management charging processes lack transparency and are not aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization principles.

Air Italy celebrates Wanderlust in Rome

 Air Italy celebrates Wanderlust in Rome

Air Italy completed another successful partnership with Wanderlust in Rome yesterday as the Italian airline sponsored the last event in the 2019 series devoted to the “mindfulness movement”.

Staged in Rome’s Parco del Centrale del Lago, Air Italy last Sunday welcomed thousands of guests to its stand as the crowds gathered to participate in a day dedicated to wellness and a focus on a healthy mind and body.

The event followed the success of the Milan edition on September 27th, and reaffirms once again Air Italy’s commitment to the spirit of inclusiveness and openness.

Rossen Dimitrov, Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer said: "Wanderlust offers an immersive experience of challenges that inspire, and help participants both physically and mentally and so we are proud to be - for the second year – key partners of this initiative. Accessibility, respect and openness are important values for Air Italy, and participation in an event like Wanderlust reaffirms our commitment to Imagining the world differently."

As part of Air Italy’s focus on health, the airline has resigned its 2018 partnership with Linda Gastaldello, New York and Italy’s Jivamukti yoga teacher, to co-create a series of video tutorials of yoga exercises, all of which can be easily practiced while onboard an aircraft, which will be released soon.

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Air Italy unveils new winter destinations

In the splendour of Milan, Air Italy celebrated the launch of its winter routes at a gala dinner, speaking at the event, Rossen Dimitrov, Air Italy Chief Operating Officer, said  "Starting this Winter, we are launching our new seasonal services to The Maldives, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Tenerife – and I’m sure, again with your support – these routes will be just as successful, if not more so, than our North America ones.”

New routes to The Maldives, Zanzibar, Tenerife and Mombasa will start at the end of October

The new direct flights from Malpensa to The Maldives, Mombasa and Zanzibar, presented during the event, will be operated by Air Italy and its Airbus 330 fleet, equipped with 24 comfortable, fully reclining seats in Business and 228 in Economy, starting from the end of October.

Air Italy wins two Awards at AIR Convention Europe in Lithuania: Diversity Award & Most Captivating Marketing Project

Air Italy has won two awards – the Diversity & Inclusion Award and the Most Captivating Marketing Project Award – at the AIR Convention Europe Awards held in Lithuania Tuesday evening.

The Diversity & Inclusion Award was won by Air Italy on the basis of it being the first airline in Europe to introduce the non-binary gender option on its website, offering a third gender option, X, for those passengers who do not define themselves as male or female.

Air Italy also won the Most Captivating Marketing Project Award on the basis of its comprehensive and integrated sponsorship of three key Pride events in 2019 in Toronto, Milan and Sofia.

Rossen Dimitrov, Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer, said: "AIR Convention is a significant event in commercial aviation, with high-level representatives from the world’s leading airlines, airports, and other key industry players, and therefore winning two awards here is a great source of pride for us.

Air Italy wins QPrize 2019 award as most LGBTQ+ friendly Italian airline

Air Italy has been awarded a QPrize as the most LGBTQ+ friendly airline in Italy at the 4th edition of QPrize awards, organized by Sonders and Beach Italy with QMagazine in collaboration with IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).

Air Italy received the award in the elegant setting of Terrazza Martini, in front of an audience of leading personalities of the LGBTQ+ community and international tourism associations, including John Tanzella, president of IGLTA and the president of the New York Tourist Board, Alessandro Cecchi Paone, at the event which was organized with the support of the US Consulate in Milan, ENIT and the Municipality of Milan.

Air Italy signs new partnership deal with Finnair and El Al

Five key cites in Finland now available to Air Italy customers departing from central & southern Italy. Tel Aviv easy reachable for Air Italy passengers originating from North America

Air Italy is delighted to announce the signing of two Special Prorate Agreements with key carriers Finnair and El Al.

Now, thanks to the agreement with Finnair, five new key destinations in Finland (Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Kokkola and Rovaniemi) are all now available via Malpensa for Air Italy passengers departing from our seven key airports in central & southern Italy (Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme, Cagliari and Olbia).

At the same time, Finnair’s customers have now the opportunity to fly to Air Italy’s African destinations, travelling from Finland via Malpensa, and connect seamlessly to Dakar, Lagos, Accra, Sharm El-Sheikh and Cairo.

New economy meals and an enhanced in-flight service for all Air Italy long-haul flights

New on-board service designed to enrich travel experience for all Economy Class customers

Air Italy has conducted a review of its economy meals and service on long-haul flights and has fully renewed its Economy Class meals, packaging and Inflight Service for all long-haul Economy Class flights.

Starting this month, the new inflight dining experience with a fully refreshed set of menus and the introduction of its Le Delizie brand have been rolled out on all long-haul flights from the carrier's Milan Malpensa hub.

The new service is complemented by a full range of redesigned service ware and packaging that is modern and elegant and is perfectly complemented with colours, ingredients and flavours that pay homage to the different regions of Italy, the home of taste.

Air Italy signs new partnerships with Finnair and El Al

Five key cites in Finland now available to Air Italy customers departing from central & southern Italy. Tel Aviv easy reachable for Air Italy passengers originating from North America

      Air Italy is delighted to announce the signing of two Special Prorate Agreements with key carriers Finnair and El Al.

Now, thanks to the agreement with Finnair, five new key destinations in Finland (Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Kokkola and Rovaniemi) are all now available via Malpensa for Air Italy passengers departing from our seven key airports in central & southern Italy (Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme, Cagliari and Olbia).

At the same time, Finnair’s customers have now the opportunity to fly to Air Italy’s African destinations, travelling from Finland via Malpensa, and connect seamlessly to Dakar, Lagos, Accra, Sharm El-Sheikh and Cairo.

Refreshed Atmosphere..........new look for Air Italy's in-flight magazine

New look for Air Italy in-flight magazine Atmosphere

Air Italy has refreshed the Atmosphere!   The company has launched a completely new and refreshed version of its inflight magazine Atmosphere. Produced in partnership with Ink, the world’s leading travel media company, the new look Atmosphere features a contemporary design with inspiring travel features from the airline’s route network.

Air Italy Chief Operating Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: “The new edition of Atmosphere is the first to feature our completely new design, with great new visuals, a rejuvenated structure and an enhanced and richer content, designed to update our passengers on all our very latest destinations and products, helping to inspire them to travel even further as together we Imagine The World Differently.”