And the second most punctual airline in Europe is.........................

Perhaps rather surprisingly, the financially troubled Italian airline Alitalia has managed to make itself one of the most punctual airlines in Europe!

With 82.1% of flights landing on schedule, Alitalia has become the second most punctual airline in Europe in the first ten months of this year. The result was certified by FlightStats, the authoritative US independent society which drafts the list of the major airlines in the world for on-time performance, comparing the data of equivalent airlines for size and network.

Alitalia confirmed positive on-time performance from January to October 2019 was slightly hampered by a massive move in Milan, as Linate airport closed for essential works with all flights shifting to Malpensa airport for almost the whole month of October. Bad autumn weather at several Italian airports also made a dent in the airline's on-time performance.  

After the resumption of flight operations at Milan Linate airport on 27th October, the average on-time index of Alitalia flights in the last days of the month exceeded 90 %. 

FlightStats is one of the few data service companies that monitors almost every flight operated by each airline. FlighStats follows the “A14” on-time performance method, monitoring flights which arrive at the gate less than 15 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.

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Alitalia to operate flights between Rome and San Francisco

San Francisco, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and situated on more than 50 hills and it is one of the most fascinating cities in the United States. Popular for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, spectacular views and characteristic architecture and vibrant nightlight and openness, which all make it a unique destination to discover.

Start the tour by climbing on one of the Cable Cars, the characteristic historic trams, cross the Golden Gate Bridge by bicycle, let the lions of the sea lick at Pier 39 and don't miss the chance to escape from the most famous prison in the world, Alcatraz.

From 1 June 2020, Alitalia will be launching a new service to San Francisco from Rome Fiumicino, with three direct flights a week. The flights will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with the three travel classes: Magnifica, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

More Alitalia cancelled flights ahead of Italian air transport workers strike on 21st May

Photo Alitalia

Due to a 24-hour air transport sector strike confirmed by some Italian trade unions for Tuesday 21st May, Alitalia has been forced to cancel half of its flights scheduled for that day, as well as some flights scheduled for the late evening of 20th May and the early morning of 22nd May.

Flights set to operate on 21 May during the peak times between 7 am to 10 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm will operate as scheduled.

List of cancelled flights is available below.

Alitalia has taken special measures to mitigate customer inconvenience by operating bigger aircraft on domestic and international routes, in order to rebook passengers affected by cancellations onto the first available flights on the same day: 60 per cent of involved travellers will fly on the same 21 May 2019.

Travelers affected by cancellation or schedule change of Alitalia flights from the late evening of 20th May to the early morning of 22nd May can rebook their travel at no additional cost or penalty, or ask for a full ticket refund (only if the flight is cancelled or the delay on departure exceeds 5 hours) by May 28th, 2019.

Italian flair just landed in Washington..... Alitalia starts new service from Rome

The green, white and red of Italian flag carrier, Alitalia has just landed in Washington DC!  

The carrier has started a new service from Rome directly to the pulsating heart of the United States, Washington DC five times a week.

And, whilst Washington is famous for its national monuments and government offices, this 68-square-mile city has so much more to offer than the White House. 

The National Mall is famous or perhaps infamous for its monuments and memorials, however, it also boasts an impressive lineup of museums, fourteen at last count! Including the wonderful National Gallery of Art, that is spread out over two buildings and hosts some wonderful works of art. The National Air & Space Museum is simply a must-see attraction, then there is the National Museum of Natural History - which boasts it is the world's most visited natural history museum.  The National Museum of American History is another fine example of Americana featuring things as varied Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to Dorothy’s ruby slippers - you know from The Wizard of Oz!  

Rescue for Alitalia

Is a rescue for the once great legacy carrier Alitalia on the way?   There has been much speculation in the European press recently that some group or conglomerate was about to invest heavily in the troubled airline.  The latest gossip is that the Italian infrastructure group Toto Holding was on the brink of signing a deal with partners, Delta and Ferrovie dello Stato - the state rail company to take on the financially crippled airline.

The new appeared in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, that the government arrange deal was about to be signed, however, so far Toto Holdings has declined to comment on the speculation on Friday.

The Italian airline has been in special administrative measures since 2017 after employees failed to approve what was the latest in a string of failed rescue and reorganisation attempts. 

The news that a rescue was on the card for Alitalia has been greeted with scorn and disbelief by aviation analysts in Europe, with one telling us, "Alitalia is like a dog with rabies, for a distance, it looks good, but upon closer inspection, perspective new masters run a mile. It needs to be put down." 

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Lufthansa and EasyJet make bids for Alitalia but the sale is delayed.

The budget airline EasyJet and the mammoth Lufthansa Group are among a number of companies that have put in bids for all or part of the financially troubled Italian airline, Alitalia.  However, the sale has been delayed as the Italian Government loans the airline another 300 million euros. 

Lufthansa confirmed it had submitted an offer letter on Monday, expressing its interest in establishing a "NewAlitalia". Lufthansa has opted not to make an offer for the complete Airline but has stated interest in only parts of the Global network traffic and European and domestic point-to-point business.

The offer includes a concept for a newly structured Alitalia with a focused business model ("NewAlitalia"), which could develop long-term economic prospects.  "The responsible commissioners have agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding the details of the offer," said Lufthansa, however some details are already appearing in Italian media, including amounts Lufthansa and others have offered.

Is Lufthansa Taking Over Alitalia ?

According to Italian media, the German airline group,  Lufthansa has put in a bid of €500 million euros (that's around $590 million for the troubled and financially crippled Italian airline Alitalia.

The German airline group apparently wants to take over almost all of the Alitalia fleet, slots, routes and half of the staff.  The Italian media and repeated by Reuters are citing three anonymous sources at Alitalia say the German carrier is proposing to taking on half the Alitalia workforce, which totals of 12,000 employees.

They are reporting that any such offer is almost certainly going to be rejected by the state commissioners who are managing the Italian airlines affairs during its sale. Lufthansa has been approached for comments, but have so far refused to speculate on rumours. 

Alitalia to Resume Korea Service.

The Italian carrier Alitalia have announced they will resume services to Korea after 18 years with its Seoul Incheon-Rome direct route to launch on June 4. 

Alitalia have said they will operate the new route three times a week with 250-seat A330 aircraft, offering three classes ― Magnifica (business class), Classica Plus (premium economy class) and Classica (economy class). 

“Under the vision to build the ‘new Alitalia,’ we have put a priority on the expansion of the Asian network (for future growth),” Alitalia CEO Silvano Cassano said in a meeting with media at the carriers headquarters in Rome last week. 

Air France KLM, Delta, Alitalia offer concessions to settle EU probe

- Skyteam alliance partners Air France KLM, Delta Air Lines and Alitalia have offered to give up slots at three airports and made other concessions to try to settle an EU antitrust investigation, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

The carriers found themselves in the Commission's sights in January 2012, after the EU competition authority said their alliance, involving profit-sharing and joint management of prices and capacity, may push up prices on the Paris-New York, Amsterdam-New York and Rome-New York routes.

Alitalia Aircraft Skids Off Runway in Rome

A plane has skidded off the runway at Rome's Fiumicino airport after its landing gear malfunctioned during a thunderstorm.

Officials said there were around 10 people who suffered "light injuries" and were treated by medical staff at the airport, according to the ANSA news agency.

The plane, an Airbus A320 belonging to flagship carrier Alitalia, had flown from Madrid with 151 passengers on board.

It came to rest on its side near the runway.

The pilot realised as he was coming in that the plane's right wheels had failed to deploy and he warned air traffic control ahead of time, ANSA said.

The plane then toppled on its right wing during landing and could be seen on its side near the runway.

The national air transport safety agency has opened an investigation into the incident, and officers have been sent to examine the plane.

Alitalia

The new ALITALIA takes off !
Alitalia has a long past,  however,  over recent years financial problem’s and vast losses have seen the once global giant consolidate, change and restart.

On time rating for 2011 seems to be very good, between 15 Feb and 15 April 85% of flights departed on time. However, UK travellers should note that from London Heathrow, only around 66% departed as scheduled.
Our Rating 2.5 stars*

RESERVATIONS and FLIGHT RECONFIRMATIONS

Monday - Friday 8:00 - 22:00 Saturday & Sunday 8:30 - 21:30 
UK.  08714 24 14 24
USA  +1 800-223-5730. Italy. +39 06 2222

*as we have not flown with Alitalia recently, our rating is based on experience with the old Alitalia
 

There have been many changes, and January 13, 2009 will be remembered in the history of Italian air transport as the date when a new flag airline started operations. On that day, Air One and Alitalia began the process of merging their networks, their fleets and their whole administrative and commercial structure.
Integrating the two airlines and launching the new Alitalia means first and foremost better organization of the network which now has 92 destinations in Italy and around the world with more than 2,200 flights a week based on six airports: Rome Fiumicino, Milan, Turin, Venice, Naples and Catania. This new organisational model ensures rapid links from the Italian provinces to Europe and the rest of the world, as well as covering the whole country with a domestic network of 26 destinations. 

Alitalia provides a large number of international and intercontinental flights – for example, the new company flies to 53 destinations in Europe and internationally, with smooth connections for domestic flights. What’s more, the current summer schedule expands the network even further with the opening up of several more destinations in the coming months.


Another of Alitalia’s strengths is the flight schedules which are carefully worked out to meet customers’ needs – for instance, it is often possible to make round-trip flights in one day to the main Italian and European destinations.


The new Italian flag airline also stands out for the major renewal of the fleet which now consists of upgraded aircraft providing better quality flights with less impact on the environment.


The new Alitalia is run by private entrepreneurs who are well versed in quality of service and close attention to customers’ needs. They are fully aware that these elements are essential for companies to succeed and grow. And this is the case with the new Alitalia – passengers are the focal point of the company’s development strategy. Our commitment is to provide top quality ground services and on-board services so that every travel experience has that distinctive touch of Italian style. The new Alitalia is taking off, with the aim of becoming the preferred carrier in Italy and internationally. 

The summer network 2011
On 27 March 2011, Alitalia Group’s new summer schedule went into effect and will last until 31 of October 2011. The summer network includes 92 destinations between Italy and the rest of the world with more than 2600  weekly frequencies on 163 routes. Furthermore Alitalia has codeshare agreements with 29 other airlines on 200 world wide destinations.




Extensive coverage of the Domestic Market: 26 domestic destinations directly served and 1723 weekly frequencies to meet internal mobility needs thanks to a wide range of direct service between the main Italian cities towards the rest of Italy.
Efficient coverage of Foreign Markets: 63 international and intercontinental destinations directly reached and 906 weekly frequencies, with easy connections to domestic flights.
Schedules that suit customers needs: Schedules that allow business customers to make return trips in one day from/to the main Italian and European destinations.
Close to your home: a network cantered around seven hubs (Rome, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Turin, Venice, Naples and Catania) that makes travel from the Italian provinces to the rest of the world quick and convenient.



The main updates of the Summer timetable include: • Two new intercontinental routes: Rome - Beijing, operated by Alitalia in code share with China Eastern (from 1 June, 4 weekly flights, from October, 5 flights) and Rome - Rio de Janeiro (from 1 June, 3 weekly flights, from 28 June, 4 flights). With the new Rome - Rio de Janeiro flight, Alitalia will become the number one company in service between Italy and Brazil, with a total offer of 11 weekly flights to Brazil (San Paolo and Rio de Janeiro).
• A new direct flight Rome - Shanghai, operated by China Eastern in code share with Alitalia (starting in the summer, 4 weekly flights) that strengthens Alitalia's presence in the Far East where the company is today the only carrier that operates direct service between Italy and Japan;
• New international service from Rome to Toulouse operated by Alitalia in code share with Air France-Klm (from 28 March);
• New direct flights from Florence to Amsterdam and Catania (starting 27 March), operated by Alitalia with the Airbus A319. The new Florence - Amsterdam route will be served by two flights daily in code share with KLM;

Accidents, incidents and crashes.
(Since the formation of the new Alitalia)
On 15 January 2010, Alitalia Flight 60, a Boeing 767-300ER, damaged its plastic bumper covering on the aircraft's tail skid whilst taking off from New York City's John F Kennedy International Airport. The incident was reported to ATC by Delta Air Lines pilots who then passed the information on to the Alitalia pilots. The Alitalia pilots decided to circle JFK for 1 hour to burn off enough fuel to make a safe emergency landing. The FAA said that the aircraft did not over rotate and that the passengers were never at any risk.
On 17 February 2010, an Alitalia flight from Rome to Cairo, Egypt with 157 passengers, had to make an emergency landing in Cairo after a reported bomb threat. A notable passenger on the flight was Egyptian Tourism Minister Zuheir Garana.
On 15 June 2010, Alitalia Flight 615, an Airbus A330 with 258 passengers, from Boston, USA to Rome was forced to make an emergency landing at Logan Airport after an engine failed shortly after take-off. The incident is still under investigation.
On 24 April 2011 an attempt was made to hijack Alitalia Flight 329, en-route from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France to Fiumicino Airport, Rome and divert it to Tripoli International Airport, Libya. The hijacker, reported to be an advisor to the Kazakhstan delegation to UNESCO, was subdued by cabin crew and other passengers. He was arrested and taken into custody after the aircraft made a safe landing at Rome.
Previously with the old Alitalia there had been 7 major incidents with loss of life, estimated to total 450+ persons since 1954.