Ita Airways

History of Ita Airways

Italy is one of the world’s pioneers in the field of aeronautics. The first “unified” aviation enterprises of national scale began to appear in Italy under Mussolini, but since 1939 their activity actually stopped due to the war. By 1945, the entire passenger fleet of the country was destroyed or stolen to Germany.

The revival of the Italian airline operator Air Italia began in 1946 with British assistance. The British concern BAE Systems sold several airplanes to the new company at a throwaway price and helped it in training technicians. A big role in the revival of the airline was played by the Pope, who invested in the new company and regularly flew with this carrier.

Up to the mid-2000s, the operator’s situation was excellent: the carrier was steadily expanding its route network and renewing its fleet. Several technical centers were opened in Italy to repair and re-equip Airbus aircraft. However, after the 2008 crisis, the management started to make wrong decisions: buying unprofitable airlines with debts on the cheap, failing to fulfill development plans and tolerating lawsuits from investors. In 2017, the Italian government nationalized Air Italia and started a planned bankruptcy procedure.

In 2020, despite the pandemic, a new company, Ita Airways, was formed. Despite comments from the EU, the Italian authorities included the assets of the former Air Italia and several small airlines in the newly formed company. The start turned out to be brisk: already in 2021 Ita Airways covered all European countries and some states of the Mediterranean basin with its flights. It is currently the fastest growing airline in Europe.

Ita Airways fleet

As with other European carriers, the fleet consists exclusively of Airbus-type aircraft. Despite the presence of obsolete A319s, Ita Airways is actively renewing its fleet and plans to get rid of obsolete aircraft by 2026.

Ita Airways flight destinations

Flights cover most EU and Mediterranean countries, a number of African and American states. A large-scale geographic expansion to 89 service states is planned from 2024. The carrier’s main base is Rome and Milan. In Italy, flights are operated to the following destinations:

• Venice;
• Brindisi;
• Bari;
• Cagliari;
• Catania;
• Syracuse;
• Florence;
• Genoa;
• Naples;
• Olbia;
• Palermo;
• Reggio Calabria;
• Trieste;
• Turin;
• Verona.

Across Europe, the main regular destinations are:

• Paris;
• Berlin;
• Athens;
• Madrid;
• Stockholm;
• Valletta;
• Barcelona;
• Geneva;
• Düsseldorf.

There are regular flights to Cairo, Tunisia and Algeria, London and New York. In Latin America, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo are covered by flights. Flights to Russia are not planned in the near future.

Classes of service

Ita Airways has 4 main classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business and Superior Business. On domestic flights, an additional fifth class Superior (a light version of business, but at budget prices) has been introduced.

All passengers of the airline, regardless of the class of service, are provided with the following set of services:

• assistance in loading and placement of oversized luggage and passengers with limited mobility;
• digital entertainment on a 9-inch tablet with headset. Choose from over a hundred movies, audiobooks, mini-games and magazines;
• in-flight refreshments: from tea to juices;
• on flights longer than 3 hours – one meal with an emphasis on pastries. For flights longer than 6 hours there are two meals, from 11 hours (Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires) there are three meals;
• comfortable armchairs with leather upholstery and a distance of 46 cm between the seats;
• opportunity to upgrade prior to departure;
• onboard gift store;
• a blanket for those who like to sleep and a towel before eating;
• WI-FI access for an additional fee;
• phone chargers and laptop chargers.

In Premium Economy Class, you will be seated at the front of the ship. There is extra legroom and a small table for your purse and electronic device.

In both Business Classes, you have access to the airport business lounge. There you can relax in the sleeping area, take a bath or enjoy a buffet meal. VIP passengers are given priority at check-in, boarding and disembarkation.

On board, they will enjoy upgraded meals on all flights, access to Ita Airways’ wine collection. In all business classes, customers are provided with a folding chair that unfolds into a full bed. In upgraded business, they can expect a small mini compartment.

Ita Airways Loyalty Programs

Volare program is in effect. Members are awarded points for the following activities:

• purchasing tickets on Ita Airways and partner airlines;
• renting cabs, hotels, accommodation from partners in Italy;
• buying souvenirs on board;
• ordering additional meals.

The Volare program has 4 levels of privileges: Smart, Plus, Premium and Executive. Each level awards 10, 11, 12 or 13 bonus points for each euro spent, respectively. Bonus points are valid for two years from the date of accrual and cannot be transferred to another person. Points can be redeemed at Ita Airways partners.

Baggage allowance

Ita Airways flights are subject to a maximum size limit of 203 cm in three dimensions. It is allowed to combine several bags into a single bag or hand baggage, but subject to the dimensions and weight restrictions.

Check-in

Available online or at the airport 24 hours before departure, but no later than 1 hour before the flight. If you plan to carry specific luggage or small children, animals, the procedure must take place no later than 2 hours before departure.

Contact Ita Airways

You can leave a message to the carrier in Ita Airways personal cabinet or via the Support – Customer Center menu item on the official website of the airline. All applications must be submitted in English with a scan of your documents and an electronic copy of your ticket.