SkyTeam Teams Up with Trenitalia to Enhance Travel Experience in Italy
The global airline alliance SkyTeam has announced a strategic partnership with rail operator Trenitalia to offer passengers improved travel options when arriving in Italy. This significant collaboration was revealed during the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, held from October 8 to October 10, 2024.
SkyTeam and Trenitalia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable alliance members to book flights and seamlessly connect to high-speed Frecciarossa train services across Italy in a single reservation. This initiative is designed to enhance intermodal travel for passengers, providing more flexible and efficient options for reaching their final destinations.
Currently, 14 SkyTeam member airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, ITA Airways, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, operate flights to Italy from various markets, including Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Greater China.
Patrick Roux, CEO of SkyTeam, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Trenitalia as our second non-airline partner, strengthening SkyTeam’s intermodal travel strategy by offering more high-quality, high-speed rail connections – supporting our mission to future-proof travel.” He emphasized that Italy is a vital market for both business and leisure travelers, and the partnership will provide customers with greater choice and flexibility.
Once the collaboration is fully established, SkyTeam frequent flyers will have the opportunity to earn and redeem miles on eligible Frecciarossa rail itineraries. Conversely, members of Trenitalia’s loyalty program, CartaFRECCIA, will be able to earn and use points when flying on eligible SkyTeam flights. This reciprocal arrangement enhances the travel experience for members of both programs.
Additionally, SkyPriority services will be available at railway stations where feasible, benefiting SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, as well as Trenitalia’s CartaFRECCIA Platinum and Gold members. This service integration aims to provide a seamless travel experience from the moment passengers arrive at the train station until they reach their final destination.
Trenitalia offers direct connections to and from 23 Italian airports, including SkyTeam’s hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), further facilitating convenient access for international travelers.
Mario Alovisi, Trenitalia Marketing Director and CEO of Italia Loyalty, noted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Partnering with SkyTeam takes Trenitalia closer to our vision of being one of the leading players in the European rail transportation market, offering customers high-quality, reliable train travel that complements international flight schedules. We’re excited to be on a journey together with SkyTeam in a shared mission to make travel more responsible and look forward to welcoming SkyTeam customers to our extensive network across Italy.”
This partnership follows a similar initiative announced in September 2024, when Eurostar and SkyTeam signed an MOU to provide customers with integrated air and rail journeys.
SkyTeam continues to enhance its member offerings, which currently include airlines such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic, among others. The alliance’s collaboration with Trenitalia marks a significant step in advancing intermodal travel solutions for its members and their passengers.
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