The Downfall of Alitalia, the Italian National Airline
**Navigating the Skies: ITA Airways Rises Where Alitalia Fell**
After 74 years of service, Alitalia, Italy's flag carrier, ceased operations on October 15, 2021, leaving a significant void in the country's aviation industry. The airline's financial struggles, which dated back for decades, were compounded by poor management, high costs, competition, and the COVID-19 pandemic. ITA Airways, a new entity, has now stepped into the scene, aiming to avoid the financial struggles and mismanagement that Alitalia faced.
ITA Airways, officially known as Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., was established in 2020 as a successor to Alitalia. The Italian government owns ITA Airways, and as of January 2025, Lufthansa Group holds a 41% stake in the airline. ITA Airways operates as the new flag carrier of Italy, offering flights to over 70 domestic, European, and intercontinental destinations. Its main hub is Rome Fiumicino Airport, and it also has a focus city at Milan Linate Airport.
Unlike its predecessor, ITA Airways is starting smaller and more efficiently. It is not bound by the same inefficiencies and high costs that plagued Alitalia. Alitalia's financial woes were due to factors such as a bloated workforce and inefficient operations, which led to high costs. ITA Airways is aiming to navigate these challenges and become profitable within a few years, a goal that Alitalia, despite receiving billions of euros in bailouts from the Italian government, never achieved.
ITA Airways is expanding its network across Europe and beyond. In 2025, ITA announced plans to join the Star Alliance in 2026, marking a strategic move towards integration with the Lufthansa Group. ITA also operates the *Volare* loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines, enhancing its partnership with these airlines.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in air travel, which negatively impacted Alitalia. However, ITA Airways is aiming to navigate these challenges, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the pandemic, ITA Airways is optimistic about the future and is committed to providing reliable and efficient air travel services to its customers.
In conclusion, ITA Airways represents a fresh start for Italy's aviation industry. By learning from Alitalia's mistakes and focusing on efficiency, profitability, and strategic partnerships, ITA Airways is poised to make a significant impact in the industry. As the airline continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of air travel in Italy and beyond.
[1] Alitalia's Financial Struggles: Causes and Consequences. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alitalia-bankruptcy-idUSKBN28S11Z [2] ITA Airways: A New Era for Italian Aviation. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.itairways.com/en-us/our-story [4] ITA Airways: Network and Destinations. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.itairways.com/en-us/network-and-destinations
ITA Airways, in its pursuit to avoid the financial struggles that Alitalia faced, is focusing on separating itself from the inefficiencies and high costs that plagued the previous airline in the finance sector. The new flag carrier of Italy, ITA Airways, is expanding its presence beyond European shores, aiming to establish strategic business partnerships as demonstrated by its planned entry into the Star Alliance.
