Italy’s ITA secures its OL, AOC

The Italian civil aviation authority (Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile – ENAC) has granted ITA – Italia Trasporto Aereo (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) an Air Operator’s Certificate and an Operating Licence as the start-up positions itself to replace Alitalia (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) as Italy’s flag carrier from mid-October 2021.

“We hope that the new national airline will contribute to the revival of the sector, making a significant contribution to overcoming the difficulties deriving from the pandemic. ENAC will continue its institutional and technical activities to ensure the operational start-up of ITA, ensuring compliance with public interests and the rights of passengers, which are essential elements of the air transport business,” ENAC President Pierluigi di Palma said.

The issuance of both permits paves the way for ITA to begin ticket sales. For the time being, Alitalia continues to sell tickets for flights beyond October 14, when it is due to be wound down and replaced by the new company.

ITA has so far taken over a single A330-200 from Alitalia, which it used for its AOC proving flight on August 16. In October, it will start with 52 aircraft, including seven widebodies, all transferred from Alitalia’s current fleet