Alitalia strengthens its global network with new direct flights… | kbnmart

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ITA launches new direct flights from Rome to Jeddah, strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, using the latest A321neo aircraft.

Alitalia strengthens its operations in Saudi Arabia, an important emerging market, by launching a new direct flight between Rome and Jeddah. This route represents the airline’s second destination in Saudi Arabia and will include three weekly flights. The inaugural flight, on board an Airbus A321neo, arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport yesterday at 9:10 pm local time and was greeted with a traditional water arch salute. The return flight from Jeddah to Rome took off today at 3:30 am local time.

The launch of this new international connection was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the arrival gate at Jeddah International Airport, and was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Irene Bongiorno, Deputy Consul General of Italy in Jeddah; Rashed Al Shammari, Vice President of Aviation Development at the Air Connectivity Program; Glenn Wilson, Vice President of Operations at Jeddah Airports; Amira Afandi, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Jeddah Airports; Pierfrancesco Carino, Vice President of International Sales at ITA Airways; and Benedetto Mencaroni, Regional Manager for Asia, Middle East and Africa at ITA Airways.

“We are pleased to launch the first direct flight between Jeddah and Rome, strengthening our partnership with Alitalia.”
“Presence in Saudi Arabia, a fast growing market”, Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer of the company, said:
Alitalia and Volare CEO“This new opening follows the launch of a direct route to Riyadh in June, and is part of our ongoing summer network expansion, which has been delivering excellent booking results. This new flight, operated with the latest A321neo, will expand our medium-haul network and enhance trade and cultural exchange between the Arabian Peninsula and Italy, while providing connections to a range of our destinations accessible via our Rome Fiumicino hub.”

“We are delighted to see ITA Airways start the route between Rome and our historic coast.
Jeddah, which will enhance our air connectivity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Passengers from ITA’s network in Italy, Europe and the Americas will enjoy a smoother journey to explore the untapped potential of Jeddah.
Jeddah. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with a great partner, ITA Airways. Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO) and Majid Khan, CEO of Air Connectivity Program (ACP), said:.

“As a representative of the Italian Consulate, I am delighted to be part of the enhanced partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia through the launch of a new round-trip flight from Rome to Jeddah. It is truly a testament to the friendship between the two countries, which is not only rooted in a deep historical relationship, but also serves to develop a commercial friendship while expanding opportunities.” Irene Bongiorno, Deputy Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, said:“ITA’s new intercontinental route will further promote our beloved country in Saudi Arabia. Likewise, I am delighted to be part of this unique opportunity for Italians to discover the Kingdom, a beautiful country that I have had the opportunity to call home for the past seven years. I would like to wish ITA and King Abdulaziz International Airport every success, and I cannot wait to see the positive impact this new flight will have.”

The new ITA flight schedule from Jeddah to Rome is as follows:

• Flights from Jeddah to Rome operate three times a week: Flights depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 3:30 am local time and arrive in Rome Fiumicino at 7:00 am local time on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
• Flights from Rome to Jeddah are also available three times a week: departing from Rome Fiumicino Airport at 3:05 pm local time, arriving in Jeddah at 9:10 pm local time on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

This route is served by the A321neo, the largest model in the Airbus A320neo family, known for its superior range and performance. This aircraft reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% per seat compared to previous models. It features a three-class configuration – Business Class (12 seats), Premium Economy (12 seats) and Economy (141 seats, including 12 Economy Comfort seats). The cabin, designed by Walter De Silva, reflects elegant Italian style with its stylish interior.

Unique aspects of the A321neo include an enhanced Airspace cabin with new colours and materials, updated seats, custom ambient lighting by ITA Airways, and expanded overhead bins. Every seat is equipped with an advanced entertainment system that includes video and audio on demand, and 4K touchscreens – 17.3 inches in Business Class, 15.6 inches in Premium Economy, and 13.3 inches in Economy Class.

This summer, ITA is significantly expanding its network, operating 57 destinations including 16 domestic, 26 international and 15 international. The season includes flights to 12 additional popular seasonal destinations in the Mediterranean. Notable new destinations launched include Chicago and Toronto in North America; Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; and Accra and Dakar in Africa. Looking ahead, the airline will begin flights to Dubai on October 27 and Bangkok on November 16, expanding its global reach during the upcoming winter season.