ITA Airways launched its first route in the United Arab Emirates, with a flight that is nonstop between Dubai and Rome Fiumicino. The Italian reference carrier is going to operate this route daily.
The first ITA Airways Flight from Dubai to Rome Fiumicino (AZ857) departed 1:50 a.m. on Monday, 28th October.
To mark the occasion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at DXB Arrivals, which was attended by Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales ITA Airways, Benedetto Mencaroni Poiani, Regional Manager for Asia, Middle East, and Africa ITA Airways, Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy in UAE, and Robert Whitehouse, Vice President (VP) of Research at Dubai Airports.
ITA Airways, as part of its launch activities in the UAE, showcased its network and brand to local media representatives and stakeholders at an event hosted by Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai, Grand Hyatt Dubai.
The new Rome – Dubai flight is a milestone for the Company, expanding its network to include a strategic market. Dubai is a hub for both leisure and business tourism. The launch this nonstop flight demonstrates ITA Airways’ commitment to offer optimal travel solutions, while reinforcing its importance of network growth in the Company’s growth strategy.
Emiliana Limosani is the Chief Commercial Officer at ITA Airways, and CEO of Volare. She said:
“We’re delighted to inaugurate a nonstop service between Dubai Fiumicino and Rome Fiumicino.
This new daily route, which is the first major addition to the winter schedule, will boost tourism and trade between Italy, the United Arab Emirates and other destinations in Europe, the Middle East and beyond via our Fiumicino hub. It also allows for both leisure and business travel. This new flight enhances our Middle East presence, complementing the nonstop services we launched in Riyadh earlier this summer”.
Lorenzo Fanara said:
“I am delighted to welcome to Dubai the inaugural flight of ITA Airways out of Rome.”
The increasing number of Italian nationals in the UAE and the significant touristic flow in both directions, as well as the expansion of Italian exports into the prosperous Gulf market, make this new link between Rome and Dubai an opportune and forward-looking decision.
Robert Whitehouse said: “We’re excited about welcoming ITA Airways to DXB. We will be expanding our network, and strengthening connections between Dubai Italy. This new launch opens up Dubai to more visitors coming from Italy, and also offers seamless travel onwards through DXB’s extensive global network. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests who are eager to explore vibrant destinations and the hundreds cities we connect with worldwide.”
The new direct flight will operate as follows:
- Dubai – Rome Fiumicino, operating from 28 October with departure at 1:50 a.m. (local time) and arrival in Rome at 6:00 a.m. (local time).
- Rome Fiumicino – Dubai, operating from 27 October with departure at 10:40 a.m. (local time)and arrival in Dubai at 7:50 p.m. (local time).
This new route will be serviced by ITA Airways’ Airbus A321neo. It is the first narrow-body aircraft configured with three distinct class configurations: Business Class (12 Seats), Premium Economy 12 Seats, and Economy (141 Seats, including 12 Comfort Economy Seats). The A321neo has a reputation for being fuel efficient, using over 20% less fuel compared to previous models. It also operates quietly.
The aircraft also features ITA Airways’ custom-designed interior, enhanced lighting and spacious overhead storage bins. It also comes with the latest inflight entertainment system, which includes “on-demand video and audio”, 17.3″ (Business), 15.6″ (Premium) Economy and 13.3″(Economy) low-reflectivity and 4K-resolution touch screens.
ITA Airways fleet consists solely of Airbus aircraft. Currently, 100 planes are in service. 60 of these aircraft are next-generation models. They include 7 A321neos and 19 A320neos. ITA Airways has a vision of sustainability. By the end its Strategic Plan 2023-2027, the airline aims to have 90% its fleet be eco-friendly. These advanced aircraft consume 25% less fuel and produce lower CO₂ emissions, aligning with the airline’s goal of becoming Europe’s greenest carrier.
ITA Airways will fly to 53 destinations in the Winter Season of 2024/2025, including 15 domestic, 23, international and 15 intercontinental routes, as part of its ongoing expansion.
ITA Airways’ winter season will introduce a new flight to Bangkok starting November 16th, with five weekly frequencies using the Airbus A330neo. Additionally, from December 20, 2024, ITA Airways will offer up to five weekly frequencies between Rome and Malé, the capital of the Maldives, operated by the Airbus A330-900.
