Alitalia To Cancel A321neo Order
MIAMI — Last month, Airways reported that Alitalia was ready to take delivery of three Airbus A321neos while it continues to operate under exclusive administration.
These incoming new generation Airbus A321neos, previously operated by now-defunct Primera Air, would have enabled Alitalia to reap the immediate financial benefits of lower fuel burn on many of its popular routes.
“Unless of new surprises in the coming weeks, there will be no arrival of new aircraft replacements for the eldest A321s in Alitalia’s fleet.”
Following the resignation of Alitalia’s Commissioner, Luigi Gubitosi—who had strongly supported the A321neos choice to renew the eldest A321s in the fleet—the current management of the airline considered it was “more prudent” to cancel the leasing agreement of the three planes.
Gubitosi said goodbye to Alitalia in November after what he deemed as a very positive transitional period. He moved on as CEO of TIM, an Italian telecommunications company.
These statements from Gubitosi, however, are contradicted by Andrea Giuricin, a renowned Italian Economist and researcher.
“Alitalia’s market share in 2018 fell below the 14% mark,” he told Airways. “Compared to 2017, the market share loss was higher because the market runs much faster than the Italian company.”
The Bad Fate Of Three A321neos
The three ex-Primera Air Airbus A321s—registered OY-PAC, OY-PAD
The Italian airline had concluded the agreement to lease these three new planes, all of which are ready to be re-painted into Alitalia’s colors.
The second A321neo (OY-PAC • MSN 8260), was re-registered EI-LIA. The third, and last plane, (OY-PAD • MSN 8288), bears now the registration EI-
Interestingly, for the aviation enthusiast community, the first two planes carry the EI-ITA and -LIA registrations. If put together, it says ITALIA.
Flying in all directions
Although Alitalia has not issued an official statement on the cancellation of the Airbus A321neo lease, several aviation forums in Italy confirm its veracity.
Now that the airplanes have been re-registered, it is very likely that Alitalia will have to pay a fine for abruptly exiting the contract—yet another blow to an airline that’s flying on life support.
Recently, there was some chatter which put both Alitalia and Delta Air Lines in the same room negotiating a potential partnership between both carriers, with Delta keeping a 49% stake in Alitalia. This, however, has not been confirmed or denied by the Atlanta-based carrier.
The deal with Delta might
Reportedly, the national train company could be a suitable bidder to take over the ill-fated Italian airline, which would also entice Delta to expand its investment portfolio outside the United States.
Italian media report that the Ferrovie
Overall, should the A321neo cancellation materialize, Alitalia would show tremendous disarray in what should be the most orchestrated airline management office in the world.
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