ITA Airways and Airbus signed an agreement on Wednesday for a firm order for 28 aircraft. Italy’s new flagship airline will take delivery of seven A220, 11 A320neo and 10 A330neo, but without revealing the chosen variants.
The two companies also did not disclose when deliveries will begin. The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding signed in September, days before ITA began operations in Alitalia’s place.
Released renderings, however, suggest that ITA has opted for the A220-100, A320neo and A330-900neo, but the deal may involve other versions.
“Today the strategic partnership with Airbus takes an important step forward with the finalization of the order we announced last September. In addition to this agreement, possibilities for further collaboration have emerged, in particular regarding technological developments in the aviation sector and digitalisation, where Airbus is the market leader. All this is part of the actions to achieve our environmental sustainability objectives,” said Alfredo Altavilla, Executive President of ITA Airways.
“We are very proud to partner with ITA Airways in building its long-term future with the most efficient, latest technology Airbus aircraft. This agreement supports ITA Airways business objectives to develop its network in Europe and internationally in the most sustainable way,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
Airbus and ITA also confirmed their intention to lease the A350, complementing the fleet with a longer-haul, larger-capacity aircraft.
Alitalia’s remaining fleet
Since October 15th, when it started its operation, the ITA has been dependent on Alitalia’s remaining fleet. There are currently 52 planes, 18 of which are A319, 27 A320 and seven A330-200.
