I went inside an Airbus A350 owned by Italy's newest national airline flying from Europe to the US and I now can't wait to fly on it

Taylor Rains,Stephen JonesSep 11, 2022, 18:23 IST

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Italia Trasporto Aereo, known as ITA Airways, is Italy's new flag carrier, replacing Alitalia in October 2021.
The airline is rapidly expanding its global presence, launching routes to places in the US, Asia, and South America.

Italia Trasporto Aereo, better known as ITA Airways, is Italy's newest national airline.

Abdul N Quraishi - Abs/Shutterstock

The state-owned company replaced the country's former flag carrier, Alitalia, in October 2021 after 74 years of service. The airline fell after years of financial struggles and employee strikes, among other challenges.

Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock

The state-owned company replaced the country's former flag carrier, Alitalia, in October 2021 after 74 years of service. The airline fell after years of financial struggles and employee strikes, among other challenges.

While ITA has only been flying for about a year, global investors are already interested in taking a stake in the company.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

In May, the Lufthansa Group partnered with Italian shipping company MSC to buy 20% and 60% of ITA, respectively.

Members of the Lufthansa Group.Lufthansa Group

Another consortium consisting of US-based private equity fund Certares, Air France-KLM, and Delta Air Lines also bid for a majority stake in the carrier.

Air France/KLM.Markus Mainka/Shutterstock

On August 31, the Italian Economy Ministry announced it has chosen the Certares-led consortium for exclusive negotiations for the ITA bid, beating out the Lufthansa Group and MSC.

Delta 767-400.kamilpetran/Shutterstock

On August 31, the Italian Economy Ministry announced it has chosen the Certares-led consortium for exclusive negotiations for the ITA bid, beating out the Lufthansa Group and MSC.

The agreement would leave the government with a stake of "at least 40%," which is much higher than the Lufthansa-MSC offer of 20%, per Fox Business.

An image of a Lufthansa plane.Getty Images

While discussions of the deal are still ongoing, the ministry said it will only accept the offer once it is satisfied with the details of the contract.

Airbus A320 ITA Airways. Aircraft to Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Fiumicino (Italy), February 10th, 2022Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

In the meantime, ITA is pushing forward with its ambitious plans as Italy's newest national airline.

As the new flag carrier of Italy, Pope Francis will fly on ITA aircraft when departing the country. This service was provided by Alitalia before its fall.Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Shortly after launch, ITA joined the SkyTeam Alliance that Alitalia was aligned with. The international pact consists of carriers like Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and AeroMexico.

Kristin Colvile, CEO and Managing Director SkyTeam (left) with Alfredo Altavilla, Executive Chairman ITA Airways (right).SkyTeam

Shortly after launch, ITA joined the SkyTeam Alliance that Alitalia was aligned with. The international pact consists of carriers like Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and AeroMexico.

The carrier has also been expanding its fleet and network. When Alitalia fell, ITA acquired 56 planes, including A319s, A320s, and A330s.

ITA Airways planes in new and old liveries.Davide Calabresi/Shutterstock

Since then, ITA has received two more A320s, one more A330, and five A350s. It also has dozens of additional Airbus jets on order, including the A220 and A321neo.

ITA Airways is changing the Alitalia paint job from an all-white fuselage to blue.MC MEDIASTUDIO/Shutterstock

The A350s are the youngest aircraft in the company's fleet, ranging from six months to four years old, per Planespotters. ITA is the first Italian carrier to operate the widebody jet.

First ITA Airways A350.Airbus

The A350s are the youngest aircraft in the company's fleet, ranging from six months to four years old, per Planespotters. ITA is the first Italian carrier to operate the widebody jet.

The company chose the modern aircraft due to its reduced fuel burn and carbon emissions, writing "Born to be Sustainable"...

ITA Airways

...and "-25% Fuel & CO2" on the fuselage of its fourth A350.

ITA Airways

The jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

With the introduction of the A350, ITA hopes to be Europe's "greenest airline" by 2025.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The A350s, along with ITA's A330s, power the company's growing international network.

ITA Airways A330.Davide Calabresi/Shutterstock

Since October 2021, ITA has launched several new routes, like Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and New York, and plans to launch to Japan and India by the end of 2022.

rarrarorro/Shutterstock

As of September 2021, the carrier flies five routes between Italy and the US, including to New York-JFK, Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles from Rome…

JFK International Airport.Skyhobo/Getty Images

…and to New York-JFK from Milan, per Cirium data.

An ITA Airways aircraft in Milan.Davide Calabresi/Shutterstock

Insider toured one of ITA's five A350-900s currently shuttling passengers from Rome to New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo — take a look.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The carrier's A350s are configured with 334 seats in two classes, including 33 fully lie-flat loungers in business…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and 331 seats in economy.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Economy has 262 standard seats with 31-32 inches of pitch, and 39 extra legroom seats, known as "comfort economy," with 34 inches of pitch.

Economy comfort and standard economy rows.Taylor Rains/Insider

Every economy seat offers 18 inches of width and 120 degrees of recline.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

When touring the aircraft at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022 in England, the first cabin I passed was the Collins Super Diamond business class.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The product, which is also found on British Airways, is configured in a 1x2x1 layout, meaning all passengers have direct-aisle access.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Each lounger has been carefully crafted by Italian designer Walter De Silva, who is famous for his work for car companies like Audi and Volkswagen.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

According to an ITA flight attendant onboard during the tour, the cabin's color scheme was designed to represent Italy's nature and architecture.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

For example, white points to marble, beige represents the sun, and blue reflects the color of the ocean. Moreover, the lights change color depending on the time of the flight.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

For example, white points to marble, beige represents the sun, and blue reflects the color of the ocean. Moreover, the lights change color depending on the time of the flight.

As far as amenities, the luxurious business class offers several perks, including a large seatback screen…

Moreover, the lights change color depending on the time of the flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

… a foldable tray table…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a personal reading light…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable headrest…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and plenty of storage. This is located in the aisle-side armrest...

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as two oddly-shaped compartments on the other side.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Inside the compartments are power outlets and USB charging ports…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a touchscreen remote that controls the seatback screen, eliminating the need to lean forward or sit up to manually control the inflight entertainment.

An ITA flight attendant showing me how to use the remote.Taylor Rains/Insider

Trying out the seat, I found there was plenty of legroom…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the adjustable tray table was perfect for working or eating.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

No long-haul business class seat is complete without lay-flat capabilities.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Passengers can control the seat with a touchscreen display, turning it into a simple recliner or a twin bed.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

To keep customers warm and cozy en route, ITA provides each traveler with a pillow and blanket…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and ITA-branded slippers.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

For added privacy for the middle seats, there is a barrier installed that can be opened or closed.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

ITA provides premium meals for business class passengers, which are served with glassware on a tablecloth, emulating the luxury experience.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

I thought the setup was elegant and enjoyed the detailed finishes, like the ribbon on the silverware.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

ITA offers a four-course meal in business class. The menu onboard consisted of appetizers like cod and potato pie and entrees like meat ravioli.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Second course offerings include a fish roll and mushroom stuffed chicken, while the dessert options were pastries, an assorted cheese board, or seasonal fruit.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The carrier also offers an Italian breakfast and snacks during the flight.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

To pair with the food, travelers can enjoy specialty wines or other alcohol, like beer and liquor.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Behind business class is ITA's economy product, configured in a 3x3x3 layout.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The first four rows, plus one additional set of three seats in front of that, are the company's "economy comfort" seats, sporting the beige headrest.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The front bulkhead row offers the most amount of legroom…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…while the TV screen folds up from the seat…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and the tray table folds out from the armrest.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Despite the generous legroom, I personally don't like the bulkhead seats because of the stationary armrests. However, taller passengers may prefer the extra space.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The other rows offer adjustable armrests and fold-down tray tables…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…as well as medium-sized seatback pockets…

The 34 inches of pitch in economy comfort was more than enough room. For reference, I'm 5'3".Taylor Rains/Insider

…and seatback screens.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Behind the extra legroom seats is ITA's standard economy product, featuring black headrests.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The 31-32 inches of pitch is the same legroom offered on Delta's Boeing 767-300 economy cabin, which was perfectly spacious on a recent flight from Stockholm to New York.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The 31-32 inches of pitch is the same legroom offered on Delta's Boeing 767-300 economy cabin, which was perfectly spacious on a recent flight from Stockholm to New York.

Given the legroom is the same on ITA, I suspect shorter and average-height customers will have plenty of space on long-haul journeys. I felt comfortable in the seat, though I am only 5'3" and on the smaller side.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Given the legroom is the same on ITA, I suspect shorter and average-height customers will have plenty of space on long-haul journeys. I felt comfortable in the seat, though I am only 5'3" and on the smaller side.

So, taller passengers may want to upgrade to an extra legroom seat.

Extra legroom (economy comfort) seat space.Taylor Rains/Insider

Like economy comfort, the standard seats come with inflight entertainment screens and a large tray table. The TV adjusts up when the seat in front is reclined.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Also offered in both economy products is underseat power…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…USB ports…

The USB port is in the seatback scren.Taylor Rains/Insider

…adjustable headrests…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and large overhead bins.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Seats 50A and 50L in the second half of the economy sections have no seat in front of them, meaning these travelers will have endless legroom.

ITA Airways A350 seat map.Seat Maps

However, there is no under-seat storage, and the tray table is in the armrest, so it may not be favorable for some customers.

Couples may favor seats 49A/C and 49 J/L because they are the only rows with just two seats.Taylor Rains/Insider

In the middle of ITA's A350 are four large lavatories with baby-changing tables.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

I didn't feel cramped inside and found there was plenty of space to move around or change.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The middle set of bathrooms can be combined for travelers who need extra space by retracting the center wall.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Non-passenger areas onboard the A350 include large galley areas in the front and aft areas of the jet…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a next-generation cockpit…

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a flight attendant crew rest area.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

The rest area is situated at the back of the plane and features twin beds, mirrors, storage, and power outlets.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I thought ITA's A350 cabin was modern and comfortable and appreciated the small details on the seats, like the small Italian flag accent in economy.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

I look forward to seeing the airline grow and hope it can avoid the same fate as its predecessor, Alitalia.

ITA Airways A350 at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022.Taylor Rains/Insider

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I went inside an Airbus A350 owned by Italy's newest national airline flying from Europe to the US and I now can't wait to fly on it

Italia Trasporto Aereo, better known as ITA Airways, is Italy's newest national airline.

The state-owned company replaced the country's former flag carrier, Alitalia, in October 2021 after 74 years of service. The airline fell after years of financial struggles and employee strikes, among other challenges.

While ITA has only been flying for about a year, global investors are already interested in taking a stake in the company.

In May, the Lufthansa Group partnered with Italian shipping company MSC to buy 20% and 60% of ITA, respectively.

Another consortium consisting of US-based private equity fund Certares, Air France-KLM, and Delta Air Lines also bid for a majority stake in the carrier.

On August 31, the Italian Economy Ministry announced it has chosen the Certares-led consortium for exclusive negotiations for the ITA bid, beating out the Lufthansa Group and MSC.

The agreement would leave the government with a stake of "at least 40%," which is much higher than the Lufthansa-MSC offer of 20%, per Fox Business.

While discussions of the deal are still ongoing, the ministry said it will only accept the offer once it is satisfied with the details of the contract.

In the meantime, ITA is pushing forward with its ambitious plans as Italy's newest national airline.

Shortly after launch, ITA joined the SkyTeam Alliance that Alitalia was aligned with. The international pact consists of carriers like Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and AeroMexico.

The carrier has also been expanding its fleet and network. When Alitalia fell, ITA acquired 56 planes, including A319s, A320s, and A330s.

Since then, ITA has received two more A320s, one more A330, and five A350s. It also has dozens of additional Airbus jets on order, including the A220 and A321neo.

The A350s are the youngest aircraft in the company's fleet, ranging from six months to four years old, per Planespotters. ITA is the first Italian carrier to operate the widebody jet.

The company chose the modern aircraft due to its reduced fuel burn and carbon emissions, writing "Born to be Sustainable"...

...and "-25% Fuel & CO2" on the fuselage of its fourth A350.

The jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

With the introduction of the A350, ITA hopes to be Europe's "greenest airline" by 2025.

The A350s, along with ITA's A330s, power the company's growing international network.

Since October 2021, ITA has launched several new routes, like Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, and New York, and plans to launch to Japan and India by the end of 2022.

As of September 2021, the carrier flies five routes between Italy and the US, including to New York-JFK, Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles from Rome…

…and to New York-JFK from Milan, per Cirium data.

Insider toured one of ITA's five A350-900s currently shuttling passengers from Rome to New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo — take a look.

The carrier's A350s are configured with 334 seats in two classes, including 33 fully lie-flat loungers in business…

…and 331 seats in economy.

Economy has 262 standard seats with 31-32 inches of pitch, and 39 extra legroom seats, known as "comfort economy," with 34 inches of pitch.

Every economy seat offers 18 inches of width and 120 degrees of recline.

When touring the aircraft at the Farnborough International Air Show 2022 in England, the first cabin I passed was the Collins Super Diamond business class.

The product, which is also found on British Airways, is configured in a 1x2x1 layout, meaning all passengers have direct-aisle access.

Each lounger has been carefully crafted by Italian designer Walter De Silva, who is famous for his work for car companies like Audi and Volkswagen.

According to an ITA flight attendant onboard during the tour, the cabin's color scheme was designed to represent Italy's nature and architecture.

For example, white points to marble, beige represents the sun, and blue reflects the color of the ocean. Moreover, the lights change color depending on the time of the flight.

As far as amenities, the luxurious business class offers several perks, including a large seatback screen…

… a foldable tray table…

…a personal reading light…

…an adjustable headrest…

…and plenty of storage. This is located in the aisle-side armrest...

…as well as two oddly-shaped compartments on the other side.

Inside the compartments are power outlets and USB charging ports…

…and a touchscreen remote that controls the seatback screen, eliminating the need to lean forward or sit up to manually control the inflight entertainment.

Trying out the seat, I found there was plenty of legroom…

…and the adjustable tray table was perfect for working or eating.

No long-haul business class seat is complete without lay-flat capabilities.

Passengers can control the seat with a touchscreen display, turning it into a simple recliner or a twin bed.

To keep customers warm and cozy en route, ITA provides each traveler with a pillow and blanket…

…and ITA-branded slippers.

For added privacy for the middle seats, there is a barrier installed that can be opened or closed.

ITA provides premium meals for business class passengers, which are served with glassware on a tablecloth, emulating the luxury experience.

I thought the setup was elegant and enjoyed the detailed finishes, like the ribbon on the silverware.

ITA offers a four-course meal in business class. The menu onboard consisted of appetizers like cod and potato pie and entrees like meat ravioli.

Second course offerings include a fish roll and mushroom stuffed chicken, while the dessert options were pastries, an assorted cheese board, or seasonal fruit.

The carrier also offers an Italian breakfast and snacks during the flight.

To pair with the food, travelers can enjoy specialty wines or other alcohol, like beer and liquor.

Behind business class is ITA's economy product, configured in a 3x3x3 layout.

The first four rows, plus one additional set of three seats in front of that, are the company's "economy comfort" seats, sporting the beige headrest.

The front bulkhead row offers the most amount of legroom…

…while the TV screen folds up from the seat…

…and the tray table folds out from the armrest.

Despite the generous legroom, I personally don't like the bulkhead seats because of the stationary armrests. However, taller passengers may prefer the extra space.

The other rows offer adjustable armrests and fold-down tray tables…

…as well as medium-sized seatback pockets…

…and seatback screens.

Behind the extra legroom seats is ITA's standard economy product, featuring black headrests.

The 31-32 inches of pitch is the same legroom offered on Delta's Boeing 767-300 economy cabin, which was perfectly spacious on a recent flight from Stockholm to New York.

Given the legroom is the same on ITA, I suspect shorter and average-height customers will have plenty of space on long-haul journeys. I felt comfortable in the seat, though I am only 5'3" and on the smaller side.

So, taller passengers may want to upgrade to an extra legroom seat.

Like economy comfort, the standard seats come with inflight entertainment screens and a large tray table. The TV adjusts up when the seat in front is reclined.

Also offered in both economy products is underseat power…

…USB ports…

…adjustable headrests…

…and large overhead bins.

Seats 50A and 50L in the second half of the economy sections have no seat in front of them, meaning these travelers will have endless legroom.

However, there is no under-seat storage, and the tray table is in the armrest, so it may not be favorable for some customers.

In the middle of ITA's A350 are four large lavatories with baby-changing tables.

I didn't feel cramped inside and found there was plenty of space to move around or change.

The middle set of bathrooms can be combined for travelers who need extra space by retracting the center wall.

Non-passenger areas onboard the A350 include large galley areas in the front and aft areas of the jet…

…a next-generation cockpit…

…and a flight attendant crew rest area.