It’s always a party when an airline launches a new route, with hearty congratulations, picture snapping and, of course, cake. And the 10MAY launch of Italian carrier ITA’s newest route was no exception. A host of dignitaries, airport and airline execs were present in the departure lounge at YYZ’s T1 mingling with the passengers as the inaugural flight from Canada was celebrated.
“We presently have 93 Airbus aircraft and will be adding an additional 26 this year,” Pierfrancesco Carino, the carrier’s Vice-President of International Sales told Open Jaw. “The A330-900 serving the Toronto route with 291 seats – 30 in B, 24 in Preferred Y and 237 in Y – will operate 6 days a week until June when it will increase to daily.” The route is currently seasonal, but may be extended to year round in late fall.
The focus with ITA – regarded as the reincarnation of national carrier Alitalia, which folded its wings in 2021 – is definitely on capitalizing on that famous Italian hospitality and brio. The aircraft are in savoy blue (the colour of Italian sports teams’ uniforms), interiors and uniforms are Italian designed (certamente) and the tagline is “A sky full of Italy.” Starred Italian chefs are engaged in curating the Business class meals.
Last year more than 50,000 pax flew to FCO indirectly from YYZ, “which is why ITA’s new service from Toronto Pearson to Rome is a welcome addition, and one we are excited to see take off today,” said Khalil Lamrabet, Chief Commercial Officer and interim Chief Operations Officer, Greater Toronto Airport Authority told the guests.
“The launch of ITA airways flights between Canada and Italy comes in response to the significant demand for travel between the two nations, driven in part by the substantial Italian-Canadian population,” said ITA’s Chief Commercial Office Emiliana Limosani.
It was clear that the pax in the departure lounge, upon learning that they were in fact on the inaugural, were even more excited about their flight and definitely looking forward to experiencing the hospitality of ITA and the charms of Italy. Buon Viaggio!
