Alitalia to opt for Boeing 787, Airbus A220: Italian media

Alitalia's Newco will not only have a new name and new management, but also a new fleet, sources tell Corriere Della Sera. Although this signifies a reduction, no more than 70 aircraft will be part of the new Alitalia - of which some will be of the latest generation - to cut operating costs as much as possible.

The airline is reportedly deciding on replacing a large part of its fleet with brand new aircraft. The choice, unsurprisingly, is between the 2 aviation giants Airbus and Boeing. In particular, the Boeing 787 is being studied for long-haul routes and the Airbus A320 will continue for short/medium-haul routes. Sources for the Italian news organisation add that the airline could opt for further Airbus A320 aircraft - possibly even the Airbus A320neo - although that is quite unclear. On the long-haul side of things, the A330s and 777s will also be discontinued to make way for the new generation of aircraft.

Finally, the Embraer aircraft of Alitalia CityLiner, the regional airline subsidiary of Alitalia founded in 2006, will be replaced by the A220 family.

This renewal of the fleet is necessary, perhaps even "obligatory" following several years of choices that were too "conservative" and linked to the past. In 2017 Alitalia had a fleet of 98 aircraft, with an average age of 12.1 years - one of the oldest in Europe.

An Alitalia Airbus A330 taking off from John F. Kennedy International Airport. Photo by Andrew Pries | AeroNewsX

Sound choices are necessary

To save money, the choice to opt for a more streamlined fleet of aircraft is optimal - see the example of Ryanair. The carrier's entire fleet consists solely of 737-800s which allow for a considerable cut in operating, maintenance and crew training costs. However, Ryanair can afford this strategy by not operating intercontinental routes. Alitalia TAI, whose routes are not confined only within Italy or Europe, needs to choose more than one aircraft type. Therefore the choice of only 2 types of aircraft, "adaptable" to the new economic and network needs, would be very convenient.

Furthermore, the use of only one type of aircraft would benefit the Newco. This is again due to training and maintenance costs, but also purchase or leasing costs, which could be facilitated by making an appropriate agreement with the manufacturer.

A Boeing 787 with Alitalia livery. Rendering by Matteo Lo Sardo

Overall, the €3 billion in capital made available by the Italian State seems to give ample scope to the possible choices of the new Alitalia. However, it is necessary, at least this time, to make the airline grow, in an Italian market that seems destined to witness yet another failure.