Etihad-backed Alitalia unveils new cabins, services and livery

Alitalia has unveiled new cabins and services on its A330-200s, and a bolder tailfin livery, in a bid to attract more long-haul passengers.

The involvement of partner Etihad Airways is evident in the upgrades, which are a key plank in Alitalia’s ongoing restructuring and drive to return to profitability by 2017.

The Italian carrier has followed Etihad in installing Poltrona Frau leather design business class seats and introduced Frette bedding, Richard Ginori tableware and Ferragamo amenity kits. Another key Etihad service, ‘Dine Anytime’, is now available to Alitalia’s business class passengers, who can also avail of a new Spuntino snacks menu.

A turndown service is to be offered on all A330 and B777 flights featuring Alitalia’s lie-flat business class seats. A bedtime beverage will be available and wake-up and breakfast time arranged with passengers along with a new ‘Piccola Colazione’ quick breakfast on shorter flights. Wifi connectivity will progressively be rolled out on all long-haul aircraft.

Premium economy passengers receive a welcome aperitif, hot towel, increased meal and beverage choices, fine bone china tableware and Frette blankets and pillows (which is distinct from Etihad, which has no Premium Economy). Economy passengers have a wider choice of Italian and international meal options, Caffè service on long-haul flights and Frette fleece blankets.

The new-look A330-200 aircraft will operate its first flight from Rome to Abu Dhabi on June 5 and return back to Milan. After 46 years, the green band has disappeared from the fuselage and the aircraft features a larger tricolour ‘A’ tailfin, in a bid to boost Italian identity.

The new developments were unveiled today at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, in an event attended by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and more than 1,500 Alitalia staff.