Photo: shutterstock SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, officially confirmed the joining of ITA Airways, Italy's new national carrier, to the SkyTeam alliance, replacing Alitalia, which ceased operations on October 14.
The alliance has about 700 million customers who can continue to enjoy connections to key destinations across Italy.
"For over 20 years, the Italian market has been a cornerstone in SkyTeam's European network, and no other airline alliance connects Italy better to the world. We warmly welcome ITA Airways' decision to join our alliance and ensure continued service for the millions of customers who choose SkyTeam as their preferred alliance to Italy," said Walter Cho, Chairman of SkyTeam.
"SkyTeam and our members look forward to working with ITA Airways to create long-term partnership opportunities in the future." Alfredo Altavilla, Chairman of ITA Airways, said: "Joining SkyTeam is a natural step, allowing us to continue providing a global network and seamless experience that customers flying to and from Italy expect. We look forward to close cooperation with our SkyTeam partners to support the establishment of our company, the Italian flagship carrier." As noted, the longstanding Alitalia ceased its operations on October 14, leaving the SkyTeam global airline alliance on the same date. SkyTeam agreed with Alitalia Loyalty to continue the partnership to allow the six million members of the frequent flyer program to earn and redeem miles on selected SkyTeam member flights.
ITA was established after the Italian government decided to close Alitalia, 75 years after it was founded, and establish a leaner airline in its place. ITA started flights directly from Tel Aviv to Rome beginning October 16.
Starting November 4, ITA will launch connecting flights from Rome to the USA and will operate direct flights to Rome Fiumicino from airports in New York JFK, Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles, as well as from New York JFK to Milan Malpensa Airport.
ITA's first long-haul flight is the Rome Fiumicino – New York JFK route, starting November 4, 2021, with a frequency of 6 flights per week. At the beginning of December, the flight frequency will increase to 10 flights per week, and during the Christmas holiday, from December 20 to January 9, the frequency will rise to 14 flights per week.
