ITA Airways’ all-Airbus fleet strategy has continued with the arrival of the airline’s first A321neo.
The all-blue aircraft was delivered on lease from Air Lease Corporation after leaving Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities.
On November 10, 2023, the planemaker confirmed that the new A321neo had become ITA Airways’ 81st plane built by Airbus, with a fleet already comprising of the latest generation A220, A320neo, A330neo and A350 aircraft.
ITA Airways plans to use the new jet for medium haul routes, with the aircraft capable of travelling up to 4,000 nautical miles.
The new plane is fitted with a three-class configuration, including 12 business class full flat beds with direct aisle access, 12 premium economy seats in 4-abreast, and 141 economy seats, of which 12 are dedicated to ‘Comfort Economy’.
The Italian carrier’s A321neo aircraft features Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, which includes new XL overhead bins and customized interior lighting based on the latest full-LED technologies to help reduce jet lag.
Every seat also benefits from Airbus’ most up-to-date in-flight entertainment system, with private screens and on-demand content.
In August 2023, ITA welcomed its first all-blue Airbus A220, after the previous four aircraft of the type had sported an all-white fuselage with the words ‘Born To Be Sustainable’ on the side.
The all-white livery reflects ITA Airways’ commitment to operating a fleet of 80% greener new-generation aircraft by 2026, part of the airline’s fleet renewal plan.
The A321neo is the largest aircraft in Airbus’ A320neo Family, with a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.
To date, more than 5,500 A321neos have been ordered by customers across the globe.