ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330neo in Toulouse. The delivery marks the next step in the Italian carrier's long-haul fleet expansion plan as it seeks to spread its wings to more international destinations.

Official handover

Italian carrier ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900neo in an acceptance ceremony held earlier today at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. The delivery marks the arrival of the first fully-configured A330neo for ITA Airways, which joins eight A330-200s already utilized across the airline's long-haul network.

The new addition, registered EI-HJN, is owned by Air Lease Corporation and will be leased to ITA Airways to expand the airline's services to destinations such as New York, Miami, São Paulo, and Delhi.

The new addition to the ITA Airways widebody fleet is dedicated to Gelindo Bordin, the marathon runner and Olympic champion. It follows the airline's strategy of dedicating its Blue Savoia liveried aircraft to Italian sports champions.

The aircraft, having undertaken its first flight on April 27th, will conduct its delivery flight later today from the Airbus manufacturing plant in Toulouse to ITA's base located at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The ferry flight is expected to be powered by a 16% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.

Attending the delivery/acceptance ceremony in Toulouse, Francesco Presicce, Chief Technology Officer of ITA Airways, said,

"Today, the strategic partnership with Airbus takes one step forward. I am delighted to be here in person at the Toulouse headquarters on the occasion of the delivery of the first Airbus A330neo completely built according to ITA Airways' new cabin design. With Airbus, the unique aircraft supplier for our fleet, we have created a special synergy from the beginning, involving different areas of collaboration and business development, always with the aim of realizing a more modern, comfortable, and fuel-efficient air mobility, equipped with cutting-edge technologies".

Entry into service

The inaugural commercial service for the aircraft delivered today is scheduled to be from Rome to Miami starting next week. Flight AZ630 is due to leave Rome at 10:40 on June 1st, arriving in Miami at 15:55. The return flight (AZ631) will depart at 19:25, arriving home at 11:35+1.

For a complete list of routes on which the aircraft is expected to operate and the frequency of services, look at Simple Flying's recent article.

The new A330-900 for ITA Airways features a three-class configuration, which includes 30 business class seats, 24 seats in premium economy, and 237 seats in economy, of which 36 are dedicated to the airline's 'Comfort Economy' offering. The 30 business class seats fully recline into fully lie-flat beds, all with direct aisle access.

Introducing a new passenger experience

According to an ITA Airways statement, the Airbus A330neo sets the company's "new benchmark in technology, digitization, innovation, efficiency and design and the ultimate expression of Made in Italy."

Offering an enhanced passenger experience with its new interior design concept, the new fleet member will offer passengers the 'Airspace Cabin,' which, according to the airline, "provides the highest levels of comfort and increased cabin space, a new lighting system, sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems and full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin."

Acclaimed designer Walter Da Silva has designed the cabin of ITA Airways' new A330neo. Inspired by the concept of bringing back to the aircraft's interior the sensation of a journey above the clouds, the airline describes the new cabin as offering "comfort, elegance, simplicity, and a use of natural materials and colors."

Blue and sand are the predominant colors used in the respective cabins, with the colors of the Italian flag (green, white, and red) used as highlights and as a subtle nod to those featured on the Italian flag.

Keep up to date with more Airbus news with Simple Flying.

The A330neo is also the first aircraft in the ITA Airways fleet to feature stain-resistant fabric seats in premium economy and economy class cabins. Throughout the aircraft, six different lighting configurations provide cyclic changes in intensity to ensure the best visual comfort for passengers.

Lastly, a state-of-the-art IFE system is available to all passengers, which offers 17.3" screens in business class, 15.6" in premium economy, and 13.3" in economy class. Low reflectance touchscreen displays with 4K resolution feature on all IFE screens.

Through the new IFE offering, customers can view destination information through an interactive 3D map and enjoy a range of on-demand audio and video content, movies, TV series, and music, including 372 hours of video programming and 22 hours of audio programming.

The aircraft is also equipped with Bluetooth audio and a connectivity system through which, via a portal, customers can purchase different service packages according to their needs: messaging, mailing, and internet browsing, streaming.

An aircraft fit for ITA's future

The latest A330neo for ITA Airways marks another important step for the airline and its sustainability plan. The plan envisions a fleet that will include 80% new-generation aircraft by the end of 2026.

The A330neo delivers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. According to the carrier, the sustainability plan will enable the company to become Europe's greenest airline by 2026.

The arrival of ITA Airways' first A330neo also strengthens the airline's strategy of building a fleet entirely featuring Airbus aircraft, with 68 planes currently in operation (4 A220s, 50 A320 Family, 8 A330-200s and 6 A350-900s).

The airline has 17 A330-900neos on order, with the next two aircraft already being prepared for delivery. As reported by Air Data News, already visible at Airbus' Toulouse plant is sistership EI-HJR seen in early April being prepared for the paint shop, while on March 23rd, EI-HJO appeared complete but for its engines.

With the delivery of this new aircraft today, plus the announcement that Lufthansa will be taking a 41% stake in the Italian carrier, this week has been a rather momentous one for ITA Airways.

Sources: Air Data News, ch-aviation.com

• 

  ITA Airways

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  AZ/ITY

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Rome Fiumicino Airport

  Year Founded:

  2020

  Alliance:

  SkyTeam

  CEO:

  Fabio Lazzerini

  Country:

  Italy