Willie Walsh, the director general of IATA, made a bold statement during the association's annual general assembly in Istanbul, saying that it would not be inappropriate to label Europe as being opposed to aviation. In doing so, he directly criticized the management of the European Union regarding the sustainability of air transport.

Walsh specifically addressed the Green Deal 2050, which sets the ambitious goal of achieving zero CO2 emissions by that deadline, and also expressed his reservations about the ReFuelEu programme.

European regulations pertaining to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mean that airlines have to use SAF, which undeniably results in lower carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels. However, the current cost of SAF is approximately two to four times higher. The ReFuelEu programme outlines a gradual implementation plan, requiring all flights departing from EU airports to adhere to specific SAF quotas: 2% by 2025, 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, 34% by 2040, 42% by 2045, and 70% by 2050.  

But this progression presents a significant challenge due to the limited availability of SAF. In 2022 SAF production accounted for a mere 0.1-0.15% of the total fuel required by airlines. While increased production of SAF is expected to reduce its price, airlines may temporarily pass on some of the additional expenses to airfares, which means to passengers. Undoubtedly a formidable hurdle that must be overcome in order to meet the sustainability goals set forth. 

According to IATA, a more effective approach to increasing SAF production or implementing tax incentives, similar to the Inflation Reduction Act introduced by the United States, would be preferable. Willie Walsh also emphasized the need for a global system that enables airlines to purchase SAF for other users, even if they do not utilize it for their own aircraft. Furthermore, IATA plans to introduce a tracking tool to monitor the quantity of SAF purchased and utilized by carriers, aiming to enhance accountability throughout the industry. 

Walsh concluded by saying that “the roadmaps for decarbonizing aviation are not solely the responsibility of airlines. Governments, suppliers, and financiers must also actively participate and contribute to the journey of aviation decarbonization. They too are stakeholders in this ‘game’.”

Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist

When United Airlines was planning its second daily New York-Naples flight, who knows if it had already bet on the Napoli soccer team winning its third, historic championship after no less than 33 years when, in 1990 the legendary Diego Armando Maradona brought the trophy to Naples.

Tourists arriving in the Neapolitan capital today will find a city that has undergone a complete transformation. Soaking up the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre, from Spaccanapoli to Piazza del Plebiscito, from the Chiaia district to the ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, and from elegant Via Toledo to Posillipo they will nod their heads and agree that “See Naples and Die” was coined for a very good reason!

But what really has visitors agog right now – be they football fans or just hopelessly in love with the city and its treasures – is the profusion of white and blue bunting, flags and banners blanketing balconies, streets and squares, and even draped over the artisan crib statuettes in San Gregorio Armeno. Added to which there is the unbridled joy of the Neapolitans, protagonists of the celebrations and the merriment that has gripping the city.

A kermesse that will continue for months and that will result – as figures already show - in a tourist boom. According to Confesercenti Campania, the tourism and commercial return for the championship win will exceed €3 million each weekend in May and June. Hotel and non-hotel occupancy is at a new record level and close to full occupancy. Teresa Armato, Naples' councillor for tourism and productive activities, is already pointing to a surge in the number of foreign tourists of +60% over 2022, and an increase in the average number of overnight stays, from two to 4.5 nights.

Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist

Trapani Birgi Airport has 26 routes this summer, and 16 of them are international.

Flights to many European destinations

Trapani Birgi Airport is becoming increasingly international. In fact, the airport in the far north-west of Sicily, has a strong network of 26 routes with a significant increase in international routes, which account for 16% of its total traffic. The airport’s only annual flight to Malta has been joined by connections to Brussels Charleroi, Billund, Bratislava, Dusseldorf Weeze, Baden-Baden, Frankfurt Hahn, Manchester, Riga, Seville, London Stansted, Warsaw Modlin, Toulouse, and Katowice. And international flights to Bordeaux and Porto will start on 5 May and 4 June 2023, respectively, for a total of 16 routes.

Increases were all in high dual digits

The upward performance of the Trapani’s Vincenzo Florio Airport has been a consolidated trend for the last two years says Salvatore Ombra, president of the management company Airgest .

"With the pandemic behind us, the number of flights has increased, as has the commitment of the management and the support from regional political players."

March recorded 57,330 passengers, +28% compared to the same month in 2022 and +42% compared to 2019. The final figures for the January-March 2023 quarter, again compared to 2022 and 2019, show increases of +35% and +32%.

Ryanair operates nine of the domestic routes

There will be new fights to Naples, starting on 6 May, and to Forlì from 15 June to 21 September.  The other ten domestic routes are to Bologna, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Pescara, Pisa, Rome Fiumicino, Turin, Treviso and Pantelleria are all operated by Ryanair, except Pantelleria which is again served in territorial continuity by Dat.

La Compagnie’s Milano-New York is one year old, and CEO Christian Vernet explains the reasons behind the airline’s success.

High performance levels and an agile and flexible structure

Exactly one year from the launch of the New York-Milan Malpensa route on 15 April last year, not only is La Compagnie posting high levels of  performance, but the 100% smart business class project has all the makings of a winning bet. Its business model is rooted in an “agile and flexible” structure that uses modern and efficient aircraft, and is capable of intercepting not only business customers but also a good slice of the leisure market. 

CEO Christian Vernet outlines trends, fleet expansion and new transatlantic routes 

"The first year of operations on the New York-Milan route was very successful, with a total of 14,382 passengers. The summer of 2022 proved to be the peak period in terms of demand and traffic, particularly June, July and Augus, when we achieved a load factor of 77%. This figure demonstrates the continued appeal not only of the destination, but also of our exclusive on-board service, excellent culinary offerings and numerous benefits. Our innovative business model has been welcomed with interest by the Italian market, both by leisure and business travellers."

What does the summer operating schedule look like? With what increase in capacity?

"The summer is recording a significant number of bookings, with the months from June to September looking as good as 2022, if not better. For the summer, we will have between four and five flights a week, as we also have two or three weekly flights from Nice to New York from 15 April to 27 September, and a daily connection from Paris. The 2023 aim is to increase traffic by 20% globally.”

You have ordered two new aircraft. When are they expected, and on which routes will they be deployed? Are you thinking of new routes from Europe?

"They are scheduled to enter the fleet between February 2025 and 2026. With the first aircraft we aim to capitalize on the excellent results of summer 2022, and consolidate our presence on existing routes with an increased frequency for summer 2025. The second aircraft will allow us to develop the network by opening new routes in 2026. In addition, we want to maintain a charter business in which our aircraft meet not only the demands of a demanding clientele on long-haul routes but actually exceed expectations. We will continue to study market trends and eventually determine on which routes it will be more strategic to invest in the coming years."

Transatlantic routes to New York are crowded, to say the least...

"The exclusive all-business class cabin, with a very personal touch and at more attractive fares than the competition, is proving to be a recipe for success. With only 76 seats on board the A321neo is designed to offer more space and comfort, so our passengers arrive at their destination relaxed and rested, which is especially important for business travellers who need every possible comfort, including powerful and stable 100% free wifi connectivity on board. The secret is still our agility with a smaller structure, optimized aircraft rotation and the reduced fuel consumption of the A321neo, which is up to 30% less than other aircraft on the same route.”  (source: Google Flights)

Patiently, but not too patiently, the day of truth is at last with us. Fewer than a dozen days - probably before 24 April - separate us from the signing of the pre-agreement between Lufthansa and the Ministry of Economy and Finance for entry into the capital of ITA Airways. More than two months have passed since the signing of the letter of intent addressed to the Italian government, in which the German group put itself forward for the acquisition of an important share of ITA - 40% of the capital. 

Then, before Easter the approval of the industrial plan was shared with Lufthansa, and now they are on the last lap, which is the price. A price that will inevitably take into account multiple factors and - essentially - will have to be not too high for one side and not too low for the other. 

There is talk of a figure between €250 and 300 million, which would be useful to implement the carrier's industrial plan for the next five years (2023-2027) and envisages the expansion of the fleet from 67 to 98 aircraft, 80% of which will be new generation, as early as 2025.

Once the pre-agreement has been reached, the affair will scrutinized of the Italian and European regulatory authorities, with a go-ahead from the EU Antitrust Authority potentially expected by August, definitively sanctioning the transition to the Italian airline to German management. 

In this context, what will the new face of ITA Airways be like? “As an integrated member of the family, ITA's destiny will be to provide Italy with a series of international connections,” explained the German giant in an official note in March. A “win-win' operation,” according to Lufthansa, with advantages for both sides that “fit perfectly” into the Lufthansa Group's network. And that - in a not too distant future - should lead ITA to make a profit. We'll see. Stay tuned....

Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist

Norse Atlantic Airways' new low-cost direct flights between New York JFK and Rome Fiumicino will take off on 19 June.

The flights will be p2p with economy and premium seats

Operated by Norse Atlantic Airways' 787 Dreamliners, low-cost long-haul flights return to Italian skies, following in the footsteps of Norwegian, which pioneered them in 2018.The challenge for Norse is to build its success on some distinguishing features: exclusively p2p and between primary airports; a single type of aircraft; a broader customer target than traditional low-cost carriers, and two cabin options: economy and premium. 

Low-cost competition on transatlantic routes

The choice also falls on the most appealing transatlantic routes, where there is plenty of competition. Routes that have long been favoured by legacy carriers for their profitability, and on which there is an unprecedented travel demand this year. Indeed, the capacity on Rome-New York routes this summer will be some 16% higher than in pre-Covid 2019, with Delta offering up to 12 daily flights in the summer peak, United ten, and American nine. 

Aiming to break even by the end of 2023

After Oslo, Berlin, London, and Paris, the Eternal City is set to become the fifth European capital served by Norse. Now we can only sit back and wait, as Norse's goal is quite a lofty one. It is aiming for break-even by the end of 2023, and it has thrown down the gauntlet. 

Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist

Cathay Pacific confirms it will operate three Hong Kong- Milan Malpensa flights from 1 July. 

A full recovery of capacity is expected by 2024

The flights will depart on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and the announcement coincides with the government's announcement earlier this month that the mask requirement would be lifted.

“The Italian market has responded very well to the announcement of the second flight, and with ever-increasing demand, we want to further encourage the connection between Milan and Hong Kong, both for business and leisure,” said Daniele Bordogna, Cathay Pacific's regional head of trade sales Europe. “The new schedule with three direct flights per week is another important milestone towards the full recovery of capacity by 2024.”

 

Hong Kong’s new runway will give the airline 50% more slots in 2025

Operated by an Airbus A350-1000 there will be three service classes for a total of 334 passengers (46 in Business Class, 32 in Premium Economy and 256 in Economy).

“Globally, the capacity deployed by Cathay Pacific at the end of 2022 stood at around 30% of pre-pandemic levels, but it will rise to 70% by the end of 2023 and we expect to reach 2019 numbers by the end of 2024. We will have 48 new aircraft in the fleet by 2028, and the opening in 2025 of Hong Kong airport’s new runway will give us 50% more slots than we have at present.”  

 

Delta will operate up to 12 daily US flights to Italy at the peak of the summer season this year.

Delta’s busiest summer on Italy

This will make it the busiest summer ever in terms of the number of flights from the United States to Italy, which will rise to 12 per day during the peak season, making it one of Delta's most important destinations in Europe. 

“Italy is a market in which we believe a lot, and that's why this year we are launching the summer schedule with the highest number of flights ever operated,” says Frederic Schenk, Delta's regional sales manager for Southern Europe. 

 

Multiple daily connections between US and Italian cities

Flights resume today from Boston to Rome, with an additional frequency from New York (the second daily flight in addition to the annual flight operated from the capital) and from Atlanta to Milan, while on 12 March the services to Venice from New York start again and from 27 May there will be a second daily frequency to Rome from New York, which is already served by a year-round flight. From 11 April a second daily frequency from New York to Milan will operate, while on 8 May flights will launch to Venice from Atlanta and on 26 May the airline will add a third daily New York to Rome connection, while from 6 June Detroit will be linked to Fiumicino.   In addition to the summer schedule Delta operates annual flights to Milan Malpensa from New York JFK and to Rome Fiumicino from New York JFK and Atlanta.

The focus is on long-haul, the centrality of the agency sales channel, the pursuit of quality and the creation of a product that is increasingly attentive to the needs of partners and of end consumers.

ITA Airways is entering a year that will mark its destiny - once the privatization negotiations are concluded - consolidating and expanding the development that started in October 2021. A first year, or little more, “that has been satisfying, thanks chiefly to the trade and the trust they have shown us,” says Emiliana Limosani, chief commercial officer ITA Airways. “We know that we can do much better by boosting the number of destinations, offering a product our trade partners can sell, and studying solutions that meet their needs. It is a challenge we will face together.”

What is ITA Airways offering in 2023?

"Well, let me say that that our growth stands at +73%, and is +107% on long-haul services. An increase that clearly goes hand in hand with the expansion of the fleet.”

What does the current booking trend show?

"Operationally we had a positive closure of 2022, with a regularity factor of 99% and an average punctuality of over 82%, and with peaks of 87% in December. We carried over 10 million passengers, and the financial year closed with higher revenues than the set targets. January was also a positive month, driven by the demand for summer holidays and for business travel. Advance bookings started months ago, and are continuing and consolidating, both for February and in particularly for April, Easter and the long weekends. It is very encouraging that of the daily week-on week-bookings 30-40% are for the summer.” 

Are there positive indicators also from the corporate world?

"Business traffic is certainly lagging behind leisure, and also behind what we were used to in pre-pandemic times, but there has been growth since the end of 2022, and it is continuing. We also see a recovery in the MICE sector which shows that companies are still willing to invest. It’s difficult to predict when there will be a full recovery, volumes are certainly far below those of 2019, but traffic is of a higher quality and willing to spend more on business travel."

Advance booking has been put to the test over the past two years....

"The lack of advance planning was one of the critical issues in the pandemic years, for everyone. Being able to count on advance booking is fundamental. So, in addition to responding to the rise in fares and to costs in general, there will be a campaign on several fronts, chiefly with regard to pricing, and it will reward those who book well in advance for the summer season and also for the coming winter.”

Is there anything new regarding pricing?

"We are trying to offer a quality product both in terms of connections and frequencies, but we also want to offer more flexibility to our customers. In particular on short-haul and medium-haul - but the same applies to all our destinations - we have been working on new fares that are increasingly customized for different target customers. For a few months now with the Economy Light fare it has been possible to change tickets for an extra charge of €65. In the case of the Economy Classic - again on domestic routes - changes will be possible for an additional €30.

What’s new and what is the weight of your long-haul on overall revenue?

"For intercontinental routes it is around 45% of ITA’s overall revenue. This summer we will have 68 destinations, of which 22 domestic, 36 international and 10 intercontinental. After the latest openings on Malè and New Delhi, it will be Washington's turn from 2 June with five weekly A330 flights that will become daily in August, followed by San Francisco from 1 July with three flights a week that will become five in high season. These will be operated by our flagship A350s. These two new additions will join the destinations already served in North America, with Boston, Miami and Los Angeles in addition to New York, operated from both Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Moving forward, the new Rome-Rio de Janeiro will take off on 29 October, adding another leisure destination to Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

You mentioned the expansion of the fleet: how is it progressing?

"In 2023 there will be 33 new aircraft in the ITA Airways fleet, eight for long haul and 25 for short and medium haul. The commitment to have a fleet with 80% new aircraft by 2026 still stands, and by the end of this year 50% of our fleet will be new. The first A220s have already arrived, and by the end of February the first A320neo with our blue livery, dedicated to Giacinto Facchetti, will be in service.

ITA Airways will add a third flight from JFK to Fiumicino from 1 June bringing Rome-New York flights from two to three a day. 

Four daily and 28 weekly Big Apple-Italy flights

With the daily connection operated from New York JFK to Milan Malpensa, this brings the number of daily ITA Airways flights between the Big Apple and Italy to four, for a total of 28 weekly. The third service to Rome will be operated by an Airbus A330.

ITA will fly from New York, Washington and San Francisco this summer

North America is thus confirmed as the focus of the company's investments this summer, which also brings with it the opening of new routes from Washington to Rome Fiumicino (from 2 June with 5 weekly frequencies that will become daily in August) and from San Francisco (from 1 July with 3 weekly frequencies that will increase to 5 from August). The two new intercontinental destinations will be operated from Washington with the Airbus A330 and from San Francisco with the Airbus A350.

“A very high inbound demand, and competitive fares”

The US has always been the most important market for ITA Airways after Italy, - said Emiliana Limosani, chief operating officer ITA Airways, - with a very high demand from inbound traffic and an outgoing component towards the US destinations that is always very high. And we also serve some neighbouring European countries through Fiumicino, offering quality products with new and technologically advanced aircraft. We work hard on digitalization, both to the end customer and to the trade, and also on the competitiveness of fares. It is a market where there is always room for growth. And we welcome competition.”

Poster and web advertising for the US market

ITA Airways has launched an advertising campaign, that will air on posters and on the web, until 26 March in New York and Miami. The ads create a direct link between the national airline and Italy, through the appeal and beauty of Italian destinations and the sensations they inspire. This summer ITA Airways will fly to 68 destinations, of which 22 are domestic, 36 international and 10 intercontinental.