Airlines Air Italy receives first Boeing 737 MAX 8

During a ceremony held at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre in Seattle, the airline received MSN64605, which is registered as EI-GFY. Moreover, the aircraft is the first to feature the company´s new livery.

As Qatar Airways owns a 49 per cent stake in Air Italy, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker hosted a press conference during the event. He said: “I am delighted to be at the Boeing Everett Delivery Centre today in Seattle to mark yet another landmark event, the delivery of Air Italy’s first new Boeing 737 Max aircraft in striking new livery, first presented in Milan in February this year. To see the aircraft here for the first time, it truly brings to life the next exciting chapter for Italy’s future carrier of choice, providing the people of Italy with the sophisticated travel experience that they deserve.”

Air Italy´s new Boeing 737 MAX 8 will be deployed on mid-haul flights in Europe. The aircraft features a modern cabin, better operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. Furthermore, a Business Class will be installed. Air Italy will replace its fleet of Boeing 737Next Gen.

Chairman of Air Italy, Mr. Francesco Violante, added: “I would like to extend my thanks to Boeing and all of those involved in this, the production of our very first Boeing 737 Max in the Air Italy livery. Since we first announced the striking new design at a press conference in Milan in February this year, there has been much anticipation for this moment. We look forward to taking to the skies and bringing this aircraft to Italy for the first time.”

In February 2018, Air Italy unveiled the new livery on their Boeing 737 MAX. Furthermore, the carrier announced to be merged with Meridiana, an Italian airline, which is also based in Milan.

Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Mr. Ihssane Mounir, stated: “It is an exciting time to fly with Air Italy as it brings new levels of innovation, performance and comfort to the Italian aviation market. We are honoured that Air Italy and Qatar Airways have placed their trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX to help them achieve their bold and visionary goals.”

Over the course of the restructuring programme, Air Italy expects to add 50 new aircraft to its fleet. Currently, a former Qatar Airways A330-200 is being repainted into new colours. In 2018, altogether five A330-200 aircraft will be delivered to Air Italy. In the future, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners will fly long-haul routes.