ITA Airways, Italy’s new national carrier, has firmed up an order with Airbus for 28 aircraft; they comprise seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos (the latest version of the A330 wide-body airliner). The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding announced on 30 September 2021. In addition, the airline will pursue its plans to lease A350s to complement its fleet modernisation.

Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer at Airbus and head of Airbus International, said: “We are very proud to partner with ITA Airways in building its long-term future with the most efficient, latest technology Airbus aircraft. This agreement supports ITA Airways’ business objectives to develop its network in Europe and internationally in the most sustainable way.”

These new Airbus aircraft will expand the initial ITA Airways fleet with a new-generation aircraft offering better environmental performance and equipped with latest technologies and ‘state of the art’ cabins to ‘guarantee maximum operational efficiencies for the airline and the best comfort to travellers’.

The A220 is purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together advanced aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan engines. It also delivers: up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft; 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards; and a noise footprint that is some 50% lower than previous generation aircraft.

The A320neo provides operators with 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while the A330neo — powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and featuring a new wing with increased span and A350-inspired winglets — offers a 25% lower fuel-burn per seat than previous-generation competitors.