Tourism Breaking News
The delivery ceremony of ITA Airways’ first Airbus A330-900 held on April 26, 2023, at the Toulouse Airbus Delivery Center in the presence of Philippe Mhun, Executive Vice President Programmes and Services Airbus, Christophe Molus, Senior Vice President Airbus at Rolls Royce, Alex Khatibi, Vice President Marketing and Commercial Affairs Air Lease Corporation, Riccardo Privitera, Director Flight Operations ITA Airways, and Francesco Presicce, Chief Technology Officer ITA Airways. Airbus was delivered to Italy’s flagship carrier the first fully configured A330neo for ITA Airways’. The delivery flight from Toulouse to Fiumicino will be powered by 16 per cent blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
ITA Airways’ first A330neo further strengthens the airline’s strategy of building a fleet entirely featuring Airbus aircraft, with 68 currently in operation. The A330neo expands ITA Airways’ long-haul fleet and will enter operation in June to serve the airline’s new intercontinental destinations.
Francesco Presicce, Chief Technology Officer of ITA Airways’ was glad to be present at the ceremony, “Today the strategic partnership with Airbus takes one step forward”. He added, “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”.
ITA Airways’ new Airbus is dedicated to Gelindo Bordin, the marathon runner and Olympic champion, and follows the airline’s strategy of dedicating its Blue Savoia liveried aircraft to Italian sports champions.
Award-winning Airspace cabin provides the highest levels of comfort and increased cabin space, a new lighting system, sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems and full Wi-Fi connectivity inside the cabin. It features a three-class configuration: Business, with 30 reclining Thompson Vantage XL seats, Premium with 24 seats, and Economy with 237 seats, of which 36 dedicated to Comfort Economy – all by Safran.
Interiors designed by Walter De Silva is a perfect expression of the flagship carrier’s new identity, the interior spaces aim of satisfying the need for ‘people centricity’, with the cabin design seamlessly flowing. The cabin of A330neo is inspired by the idea of bringing back a pleasant sensation to the interiors of aircraft. Comfort, elegance, simplicity and using natural materials and colors are at the core of the creative concept which aims at enhancing the quality of life on board and ensuring maximum passenger comfort during all flight phases. The utmost attention to detail is expressed by the embroidered logo on the headrests, the Italian flag to mark the Company identity, and the leather-wrapped Business seats. It also has feature stain-resistant fabrics seats in Premium and Economy class. An important feature is the progressive set-up of the natural lighting, which changes seamlessly based on the different situations on board. The special attention to color is expressed in 6 light scenarios that provide cyclic changes in intensity to ensure the best visual comfort.
A state-of-the-art IFE system is equipped on all seats, which are featuring 17.3” (in Business), 15.6” (in Premium Economy) and 13.3” (in Economy) low reflectance touchscreen displays with 4K resolution for a smooth user experience. Customers will be able to 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.
Sustainability: The arrival of the lighter, quieter, and more efficient A330neo marks yet another important step in ITA Airways’ Sustainability Plan by end of 2026. The aircraft delivers 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The plan will enable the company to become Europe’s greenest airline by 2026. In terms of cutting-edge technology, the Airbus A330neo also incorporates the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new wings, a range of aerodynamic innovations, and is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,334 km non-stop.
