ITA Airways Has Joined SkyTeam Alliance
ITA Airways launched last month, replacing Alitalia which went out of business. ITA paid around $105 million for the rights to the Alitalia brand and launched a new loyalty program called Volare (fly in Italian). It maintained about half of Alitalia’s 110 aircraft and about a quarter of its workforce.
Now ITA Airways has officially joined SkyTeam, replacing Alitalia. With ITA Airways on board, SkyTeam’s 700 million customers will continue to enjoy seamless connections to key destinations across Italy.
“For more than 20 years, the Italian market has been a cornerstone of 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 continuity of service for the millions of customers who choose SkyTeam as their preferred alliance to Italy,” said Walter Cho, SkyTeam Chairman. “SkyTeam and our members look forward to working with ITA Airways to establish long-term partnership opportunities going forward.”
Alfredo Altavilla, Executive Chairman of ITA Airways said: “Joining SkyTeam is a natural step, enabling us to continue to deliver 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 start-up of our company, the Italian flag carrier.”
Alitalia ceased operations on October 14th and left the SkyTeam global airline alliance on the same date. However, SkyTeam has revealed that it is still working with Alitalia’s former loyalty program. The alliance has agreed with Alitalia Loyalty to continue the partnership that will enable the six million members of the MilleMiglia frequent flyer program to earn and redeem miles on selected SkyTeam members’ flights.
Typically frequent flyers of alliance members can access reciprocal benefits when flying with other member airlines. ITA Airways said that it’s working closely with SkyTeam and its members to roll out SkyTeam-branded benefits for customers, including priority airport services.
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