ITA Airways has officially launched its first route connecting the United Arab Emirates and Italy with a daily nonstop flight between Dubai and Rome Fiumicino.
The new service, operated by the state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo, strengthens ITA Airways’ network and enhances travel options between these two popular destinations.
The inaugural ITA Airways flight from Rome Fiumicino, AZ 856, serviced with Airbus A321neo, landed at Dubai International (DXB) at 7:50 p.m. (local time). The first ITA Airways flight from Dubai to Rome Fiumicino, AZ857, departed at 1:50 a.m. (local time) on Monday 28th of October.
To commemorate this milestone, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at DXB Arrivals, attended by Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President International Sales at ITA Airways, and Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy in the UAE, among other notable representatives.
This Dubai-Rome route is part of ITA Airways’ strategic expansion, targeting key markets for both leisure and business travel. Dubai’s role as a global business and tourism hub makes it a crucial addition to ITA Airways’ network, complementing the airline’s nonstop services to Riyadh and Jeddah, which launched earlier this year. Emiliana Limosani, ITA Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Volare, emphasized the importance of this new route, noting its potential to boost tourism and trade between Italy and the UAE.
As part of the launch activities in the UAE market, ITA Airways showcased its network, brand and winter season highlights to local media representatives and stakeholders during an event hosted by the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai at Grand Hyatt Dubai.
The new direct flight from Dubai to Rome Fiumicino will be operated 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 is serviced by the state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo, the first narrow-body aircraft in ITA Airways’ fleet configured with three distinct classes: Business Class (12 seats), Premium Economy (12 seats), and Economy (141 seats, including 12 Comfort Economy seats). The A321neo is known for its fuel efficiency, consuming over 20% less fuel than previous models, and operates quietly. The aircraft also features ITA Airways’ custom interior design, enhanced lighting, and spacious overhead bins, as well as the latest in-flight entertainment systems, with “on-demand” video and audio, 17.3” (Business), 15.6” (Premium Economy) and 13.3” (Economy) low reflectivity and 4K resolution touchscreens for a simple, smooth and intuitive user experience.
ITA Airways’ fleet consists entirely of Airbus aircraft, with 100 planes currently in service. Sixty of these are next-generation models, including 7 A321neo, 19 A320neo, 9 A220-300, 8 A220-100, 11 A330-900, and 6 A350-900 aircraft. Sustainability is at the heart of ITA Airways’ vision, with the airline aiming for 90% of its fleet to be eco-friendly by the end of its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. These advanced aircraft consume 25% less fuel and produce lower CO₂ emissions, aligning with the airline’s goal of becoming Europe’s greenest carrier.
As part of its ongoing network expansion, ITA Airways is flying to 53 destinations during the 2024/2025 Winter Season, including 15 domestic, 23 international, and 15 intercontinental routes.
Following the launch of the Dubai route, ITA Airways winter season will also introduce a new direct flight to Bangkok, marking the airline’s debut in Thailand, starting on November 16th with five weekly frequencies on 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.
ITA Airways started its operations on 15th October 2021 with a fleet of 52 aircraft. The company is committed to being an ambassador of “Made in Italy” by offering personalized services and delivering a distinctively Italian in-flight experience. This is achieved through partnerships with prominent Italian brands, such as Brunello Cucinelli, who designed the crew and ground staff uniforms, Walter De Silva, who crafted the interiors of ITA Airways’ new aircraft, and renowned Italian chefs, who create the onboard dining offerings.
