Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate are winners of the 2023 ACI Europe Awards, with Bologna Airport also receiving a prestigious award.

Rome Fiumicino tops the European ranking

Rome Fiumicino was honored with the ACI Europe Best Airport Award 2023 in the category of hubs with over 40 million passengers, marking its fifth win in the past six years. This accolade adds to the airport's excellence, as it has topped the European ranking for passenger service quality for six consecutive years, and received a 5-star Skytrax rating for operational excellence and service quality earlier in the year.

“This is an extraordinary achievement”

Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma said, “Being confirmed as the best European airport for the fifth time is an extraordinary achievement. It reflects the daily commitment and immense passion of all our staff and partners to whom we extend a special thanks. It confirms our company's dedication to our passengers and to stakeholders.”

Milan Linate best for 5-10 million passenger category

Milan Linate was recognised as the best European airport in the category of airports handling between 5 and 10 million passengers. The award highlighted the airport's significant efforts in sustainability and decarbonization in recent years.. Milan Linate has achieved level 4+ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation and is committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2030, surpassing the European airport sector's target by twenty years. The judges also praised the airport's innovative and technological projects, such as the new Eds-Cb security checks and FaceBoarding, which enhance the passenger experience in terms of efficiency and safety.

Bologna’s Marconi Airport wins for human resources excellence

In a special category focusing on excellence in human resources, Bologna’s Marconi Airport was the winner. The award recognizes the airport's human resources department for implementing world-class practices and processes to develop the industry's workforce, with a specific emphasis on the social pillar of sustainability. Overall, these awards showcase the achievements and commitments of Italian airports in providing exceptional services, advancing sustainability efforts, and prioritizing the well-being of passengers and staff.

For how long? Yes, that is the question. For how long will travellers be willing to pay sky-high fares to fly from one side of the Atlantic to the other? Or, simply, to go from London to Milan for a business meeting? Or from Rome to Catania to enjoy a day at the sea in Sicily?

Granted that the joys of the first low-cost fares (those at less than €10 on European routes) are and will remain a memory (Mr. O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, docet), the upward surge is practically the order of the day. From any departure point, to as many different final destinations you can think of. In Italy, of course. And on transatlantic routes too, where the capacity on offer in 2023 has increased more than ever.

According to data from Airports Council International Europe, global airfares in May were 36% higher than in 2019. So be it. The same organization reports that global air traffic will reach 92% of 2019 levels this year, with 8.4 billion passengers. Who are evidently still willing to pay high fares. Even when, faced with increased competition and seat supply, one would expect fares to fall. This is the case of the Milan Malpensa-New York route, where seven airlines are currently competing against the six of 2019, but ticket prices are 46% higher. And fare growth is also double-digit towards major European markets such as France and Spain, and even more so in the case of the UK.

IATA estimates that passenger traffic next year will be just above 2019 levels. The longed-for recovery from the pandemic has led to a veritable upward curve: being able to travel, and first and foremost to fly, ranks among people's must-dos in spite of rising fares, global economic uncertainty, and inflation. So again, how long will there be travellers willing to spend this kind of money? And what will airlines do to somehow anticipate a future turnaround?

Mariella Cattaneo
Journalist

Turin’s Caselle Airport is flying high, achieving its best ever results ever in terms of passengers handled so far this year.  

“The new flights from Vilnius and Stockholm have high load factors” 

Contributing to the excellent result were the tourist flows from abroad.

"The new international flights, such as the Vilnius and Stockholm, have recorded very high load factors, confirming the increase in interest in Piedmont,- said Andrea Andorno, managing director of the airport. -In the first five months of 2023 the international component was 52%, which was 6% higher than the same period of 2022."

Snow traffic but also spring holiday breaks

Caselle Airport recorded an excellent snow traffic trend in the first four months of 2023 thanks to skiers from Northern Europe, as well as to growing incoming tourist flows directed towards the entire region and linked to the spring bank-holiday weekends. From January to May Turin’s Caselle Airport totalled 1,859,610 passengers,  a 23.4% rise over the same period in 2022 (1,507,311 passengers) and +10% over the same period in 2019, the last pre-Covid year (1,684,264 passengers). The airport thus surpassed every record set so far, posting +7% over the previous best result dating back to 2017 (1,740,231 passengers).

New charter flights from Stockholm

A new charter chain from Stockholm kicked off at the start of June, for Swedish tourists who love summer mountain holidays. These flights will operate every Saturday until 12 August, offering a complete package of flight, transfers and hotel, to make holidays in Piedmont’s mountains, historically appreciated during the winter months, even easier to enjoy during the summer season.

Milan Malpensa Airport's Terminal, home of easyJet having been renovated, is again officially operative. 

Brunini, Lagorio, Sala, Fontana, Di Palma, Bellaria

easyJet’s 25th birthday in Italy and Malpensa

Lorenzo Lagorio country manager Italy easyJetLorenzo Lagorio, country manager Italy easyJet, expressed great satisfaction: "Today we are not only celebrating the reopening of, and our return to, Terminal 2 but also easyJet's 25th birthday both in Italy and at Malpensa. We are the number one airline at Malpensa – since May 1998 we have carried 90 million passengers here - and a third of the airport's passengers are easyJet passengers.”

The new facilities

Terminal 2 closed in June 2020 due to the pandemic, but today more than 20,000 passengers will transit and, during the summer easyJet expects to transport more than 5 million passengers over 60 destinations. At check-in there are now 21 self bag drop stations, and machines for checked baggage. The security control area is also new, with a more functional layout providing passengers with nine automated lines that reduce passenger checking and waiting times. 

An explosives detection system for cabin baggage

In addition, an EDS-CB (Explosives Detection Systems for Cabin Baggage) machine will be available at the Fast Track lane. Thanks to CT technology this allows checks to be carried out without separating electronic devices and liquids from hand luggage, further improving the travel experience. There is also a new 1,500 sqm duty free shop and innovative food outlets.  New and more efficient moving walkways, escalators and lifts have also been installed and some areas, including the arrivals hall, renovated with a focus on improving thermal insulation and energy performance. 

Armando Brunini CEO SEA Milan Airports HD“In 2023 we will be back to normal. And to growth'”

Armando Brunini, CEO Sea Milan Airports expressed great satisfaction: '2023 will be a year of return to normality. Next summer we expect short- and medium-haul to be higher than 2019, and long-haul to be much higher than expected, with 40% growth compared to 2022.  With an investment of €28 million in renovations, plus another €10 million invested by our business partners, we have grafted innovation and efficiency into a historic terminal which serves Milan and the whole of Lombardy."

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