New Airbus A330neo enters operation on inaugural flight
Washington/Rome, June 2, 2023 – Today, the Italian National Day, marks the launch of the new ITA Airways Washington Dulles – Rome Fiumicino direct flight. The inaugural flight, which departed today at 4:20 p.m. from Dulles International airport, was operated with the new Airbus A330neo, the first aircraft completely built according to ITA Airways’ new cabin design.
To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route and the entry into service of the new aircraft, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate in the presence of Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority, and Min. Plen. Alessandro Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Italy in Washington.
To further underline the importance of the new connection between North America and Italy, ITA Airways was partner of the Italian National Day celebrations held yesterday at the Italian Embassy in Washington. On the occasion, the Ambassador of Italy in Washington, Mariangela Zappia, said: “ITA Airways’ new connection and plans to expand its network in the United States are important, long-awaited steps that bring America even closer to Italy and allow us to strengthen not only tourist flows but also the political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries”.
The Washington destination inaugurates the expansion of ITA Airways’ intercontinental network for the 2023 summer season and is enhanced by the introduction of the new Airbus A330neo, which made its first commercial flight today.
The Airbus A330neo is the benchmark in terms of technology, digitization, innovation, efficiency, design, and ultimate expression of Made in Italy, reflecting the fundamental pillars of ITA Airways. The new Airbus, A330neo dedicated to the marathon champion Gelindo Bordin, has been entirely configured for the Italian airline, and features the award-winning Airspace cabin, new interiors designed by the genius of Walter De Silva, a new lighting system, sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems and full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin. Further enhancing the Italian experience on board are the menus signed by the starred chef Gian Piero Vivalda and the crew’s uniforms, created with the stylistic advice of Brunello Cucinelli.
ITA Airways’ new direct Washington-Rome route is now operating with five roundtrip flights a week and will offer daily roundtrip flights in the peak of the summer season, from 1 August to 28 October 2023.
ITA Airways, aims to become the number one option for both the Italian Community in Washington and the local and international business community working in the U.S. capital, by offering a direct access to Italy, Europe, and the entire Mediterranean region, through its hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport.
For ITA Airways, 2023 will be a year of big investments in terms of intercontinental operations, with the launch from Rome Fiumicino of new direct flights not only to Washington but also to San Francisco, starting in July, and Rio de Janeiro, in October. ITA Airways’ expansion on long-haul routes is one of the key pillars of the Italian flagship carrier’s strategy since it drives profitability while simultaneously increasing short-haul operations, and contributing to doubling the capacity of its intercontinental network.
The United States is the first international market for ITA Airways and the most strategic one after Italy, as well as the country with the highest number of citizens of Italian origins. Therefore, direct flights from North America to Italy are not only itineraries for leisure and business travel but also a means of reaching out to and connecting with the broader Italian community in the U.S.
With direct flights connecting Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa to New York, Miami, Boston and Los Angeles, ITA Airways aims to become the preferred carrier between North America and Italy and, via Rome, to the rest of Europe and the Mediterranean. In addition, with the new North American destinations opening this summer from Rome Fiumicino to Washington and San Francisco, the Company will operate 122 weekly roundtrip flights between North America and Italy in the height of the summer season. Thanks to the codeshare agreement with Delta, there are more than 100 domestic destinations that ITA Airways passengers can access through the U.S. airline’s domestic hubs, with 40 destinations served through New York JFK and an equally significant number of connections from Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, which can meet the needs of most business and leisure passengers.
Main photo, from the left: Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy in Washington D.C., Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Pierfrancesco Carino, VP International Sales ITA Airways, Pietro Caldaroni Head of Government & Public Affairs ITA Airways, Massimo Allegri, Regional Manager Americas ITA Airways
