ITA Airways has provided an update on its aircraft renewal programme, with more than 50 per cent of its fleet now comprising new generation planes.
The carrier recently took delivery of four Airbus aircraft in one week – an A330-900 owned by ITA Airways, as well as leased A321neo, A320neo and A220-100 aircraft.
The new additions means that 44 out of the airline’s fleet of 87 aircraft are now considered “new generation”.
Shortly after ITA Airways launched operations in October 2021, the flag carrier announced an order for 28 Airbus narrow and wide-bodied aircraft, including seven A220s, 11 A320 neos and ten A330 neo aircraft.
Recent A220 deliveries have enabled ITA to ramp up its services to and from London City airport, with the introduction of a fourth daily Milan Linate frequency, and a new London City-Rome Fiumicino route.
The carrier also took delivery of its first A350 in 2022, and now has six of the aircraft in service.
ITA Airways’ first A350 to enter service in June
Commenting on the news Francesco Presicce, accountable manager and chief technology officer of ITA Airways, said:
“Investment in our fleet, which has grown by more than 60 per cent since our inception, lies at the heart of our strategy. Today, announcing the entry into service of four new-generation Airbus aircraft in just one week is highly gratifying for us.
“We have implemented Entry Into Service procedures to ensure the swift and efficient integration of newly acquired aircraft, while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements. Achieving this milestone underscores our ambitious goals and our commitment to making strategic decisions.
“Witnessing the average age of our aircraft decrease from 12.5 to 8.4 years in just over two years, with over 50 per cent being the latest generation Airbus models, highlights the success of our Entry Into Service activities. This reaffirms that we are on the right track.
“Our target for 2024 is to introduce 26 new aircraft into our fleet, reaching a total of 96 by year-end. Among these, 67 per cent will belong to the new generation, a figure that surpasses twice the average of new-generation Airbus aircraft in the fleets of other European carriers, currently standing at 32 per cent.”