A Deeper Look at ITA Airways' Airbus Fleet and New Ownership

In October 2021, ITA Airways became Italy's new flag carrier after Alitalia sold its entire operation to the airline. ITA has introduced new ownership and a new fleet of Airbus aircraft over the past two years.

An All-Airbus Fleet

In November 2023, ITA Airways took delivery of its first A321neo in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft in question is registered as EI-HXA and leased from its owner, Air Lease Corporation. The plane is currently used on flights from ITA Airways' hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

This Airbus A321neo is the first delivery from the airline's large order book of Airbus planes. ITA Airways' current and future fleet consisting exclusively of Airbus aircraft stands in contrast to its predecessor. Alitalia had the following aircraft when it ceased operations in October 2021:

• 19 Airbus A319-100s
• 38 Airbus A320-200s
• Five Airbus A321-100s
• 10 Airbus A330-200s
• Six Boeing 777-200ERs

Alitalia previously had Boeing 767-300ERs and 777-300ERs in its fleet until 2012 and 2021, respectively. Italy's former flag carrier also previously operated other aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10. ITA Airways may have decided on an all-Airbus fleet to differentiate itself from Alitalia. 

ITA Airways received several planes from Alitalia, including 18 Airbus A319-100s, 25 A320-200s, and 6 A330-200s. Two of ITA Airways' A320-200s and one A330-200 have been with the carrier since its launch. Although the secondhand planes still have Alitalia's interiors, ITA Airways' upcoming aircraft will have completely new interiors.

New Cabins

ITA Airways' order book comprises 16 Airbus A220s, 12 A321neos and 11 A330neos. The airline will have 120 aircraft in its fleet once the upcoming planes are delivered. ITA has opted for a brand new interior for its new A330neos and existing A350-900s, contrasting sharply from the former Alitalia hard product. 

The new cabins feature Vantage XL seats for the Airbus A330neos, a similar product found on Delta One Suites and some Virgin Atlantic Upper Class seats. Meanwhile, the Airbus A350-900s cabins feature the Collins Super Diamond seats found on various business class cabins, such as Etihad Airways, American Airlines, and China Airlines.

New Ownership

In May 2023, the Lufthansa Group and Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) agreed to acquire a 41 percent stake in ITA. 

Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said about the deal: 

"Today's agreement will lead to a win-win situation for Italy, ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group. And it is good news for Italian consumers and for Europe, because a stronger ITA will invigorate competition in the Italian market."

ITA Airways will remain a standalone airline with its own management and brand under its new ownership structure. The airline will exit SkyTeam and join Star Alliance alongside the Lufthansa Group's other carriers in the future.

Conclusion

ITA Airways may resemble a simple rebranding of Alitalia on the surface. However, the airline is moving forward with a new look, from a large fleet renewal to brand new cabins, ownership changes, and even a planned alliance change.