Air Italy’s Boeing B737 Max debuts in Italian soil

May 15, 2018: Air Italy’s Boeing B737 Max debuts in Italian aviation with its touchdown in new livery at Milan-Malpensa Airport.

Air Italy and Qatar Airways VIP dignitaries received the aircraft at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle before flying it back to Italy. VIPs on board the flight included Qatar Airways group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker; chairman of Alisarda and AQA Holding Marco Rigotti; director of Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and AQA Holding board member Sultan Allana; and chairman of Air Italy Francesco Violante.

Upon their arrival, they were received by the Qatari Ambassador to Italy His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki Al Jehni; the Italian ambassador to the state of Qatar His Excellency Pasquale Salzano; US consul general to Italy Elisabeth Martinez; chairman of Milan-Malpensa Airport Pietro Modiano; and chairman of Boeing Italia Antonio de Palmas.

The dignitaries discussed the importance of this historical moment, which will set a new era in Italian aviation for the people of Italy and for passengers worldwide. Qatar Airways group chief executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said, “It is truly a remarkable moment to be witnessing the launch of a new era in Italian aviation. The touchdown of Air Italy’s first Boeing B737 Max in new livery at Milan marks the beginning of a new travel experience for the people of Italy. Not only are we pleased to be part of this memorable moment, but we are delighted to be supporting it by leasing Air Italy with five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways fleet.”

The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft feature modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft type will feature Business Class seating and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737NGs.

The inaugural aircraft is the first of nearly 50 new aircraft that will be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022. This is the first of 20 brand new Boeing B737 Max aircraft that will join the airline over the next three years. Further plans also include strengthening the short-range network to improve connectivity and launching the first long-range destination from Rome Fiumicino in 2019. Air Italy aims to fly more than 50 year-round routes by 2022.