ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, took delivery of the first A330-900neo in its fleet on Friday. The aircraft, which is the 100th A330neo delivered by Airbus, will be used by the Italian airline on long-haul flights starting in June – the aircraft leased by the Air Lease Corporation.
The ITA Airways A330neo, called “Gelindo Bordin” (in honor of the Italian marathon runner, Olympic champion in 1988), has a cabin configured with 291 seats, 30 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy and 237 in economy class. The widebody also has on-board entertainment equipment and satellite internet.
Founded less than two years ago, ITA already operates all Airbus passenger aircraft families with a fleet of 68 aircraft (4 A220-300, 18 A319, 26 A320, 5 A320neo, 8 A330-200, 6 A350-900 and an A330-900neo). The carrier still has orders for another 15 A330neo jets, among other models from the European group.
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According to Airbus, the A330-900neo powered by Roll-Royce Trent 7000 engines and rebuilt with new wings and other aerodynamic innovations has a range of 7,200 nautical miles (13,334 km). Compared to the first generation A330, the NEO model offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Lufthansa took over stake in ITA Airways
After months of intense negotiations, the Lufthansa Group and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Italy concluded on Thursday an agreement for the German airline to assume a 41% stake in ITA Airways.
To this end, Lufthansa will inject 325 million euros into the Italian flag carrier by increasing its capital. The Italian government has also committed to investing in the company with a further 250 million euros.
The finalization of the contract, however, is still pending, as well as the approval of the deal by the competent authorities.
