ITA Airways Expects 39 New Aircraft Next Year

ITA Airways plans to induct 39 new aircraft into its fleet next year whilst phasing out older models. The Italian airline will welcome the new planes, which includes nine Airbus A330 widebodies, as it aims to operate more long-haul services. Let’s take a closer look at ITA’s plans below.

ITA’s fleet plans next year

Italy’s flag carrier expects to add 39 new planes over 2023, some of which will go towards to replacing its ageing aircraft on the way out. The airline will induct nine widebodies and 30 narrowbodies during this period, including the Airbus A321neo and Airbus A330-900.

ITA Airways said,

“ITA Airways has signed all the planned commitments for the increase of its fleet in 2023: 39 new-generation aircraft will join the fleet next year, including 9 wide-body (A330-900) and 30 narrow-body aircraft, while at the same time, the previous generation aircraft will be phased out.”

Photo: Getty Images

The carrier adds that its fleet refresh will help it boost ASKs (available seat kilometers) by 73% compared to 2022, while its capacity on long-haul routes will grow by 107%.

96 aircraft in total

Once ITA inducts all 39 new-generation aircraft, the carrier claims it will boast a total fleet size of 96 aircraft by the end of 2023. According to Planespotters.net, the Italian airline’s all-Airbus fleet currently consists of 66 aircraft – four new Airbus A220s, 17 Airbus A319s, 31 Airbus A320s, eight Airbus A330s and six Airbus A350s.

ITA Airways added,

“By the end of 2023, the Company will have 50% of new generation aircraft, for a total of 96 aircraft in the fleet, thanks to the arrival of 39 aircraft, including 9 for the long-haul.”

The carrier welcomed its first Airbus A220 in October – the aircraft operated its maiden service on October 16th with a flight from Rome to Genoa. ITA has further orders for the Airbus A320neo/A321neo, Airbus A220, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350.

Photo: ITA Airways

ITA adds that it is on track to become Europe’s greenest airline by 2026 through its use of more-efficient planes. Half of its fleet will consist of new-generation aircraft by the end of 2023, going up to 80% by 2026 and “leading to the consequent reduction of 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.”

New long-haul routes coming

ITA will add several enticing long-haul destinations to its network next year, including San Francisco, Washington and Rio de Janiero across the pond. Additionally, with its incoming Airbus A321neo aircraft, ITA is plotting a Middle Eastern expansion, with Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait City currently on the cards.

Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying

The Italian government recently injected €400 million in ITA Airways, providing the airline with much-needed capital to fuel its growth plans. Takeover talks at ITA continue, with Lufthansa now back in the picture following the expiration of Air France-KLM’s exclusivity period.

What are your thoughts on ITA Airways’ growth strategy? Do you see the Italian carrier having a successful year in 2023? Let us know your insights in the comments.