Alitalia is examining options for a major regional jet acquisition. The carrier plans to introduce aircraft in the 50-seat and 80/100-seat category for its Alitalia Express operations and it is considering placing an order for Boeing 747-400s to improve its long-haul fleet compatibility with partner KLM.
The Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ- 200 and Embraer RJ-145 are being studied to meet Alitalia's requirement for between 18 and 22 50-seat jets to supplement the Alitalia Express turboprop fleet. An unspecified number of larger regional jets are also needed.
Alitalia Express operates nine ATR 42s and four ATR 72-210As. Three of the ATR 42s will be replaced later this year with a similar number of recently ordered ATR 72-500s, with the former possibly being redeployed to Alitalia's proposed southern Italy-based regional carrier (Flight International, 31 March-6 April).
The new jets will be used primarily to rationalise the regional fleet that feeds Alitalia's Milan Malpensa hub, but they could also be used for the new regional carrier, which is expected to launch services next year. Alitalia confirms that it needs equipment "soon", and may be forced to acquire secondhand aircraft in the interim.
Alitalia is also studying the replacement of four of its 11 747-200s - eight passenger models (above) and three freighters - with up to five new Boeing 747-400s. The move would give Alitalia better fleet commonality with partner KLM, which operates 19 General Electric CF6-powered Boeing 747-400s, and has a further five on order. The two airlines' long haul fleets already have some commonality as both operate Boeing MD-11s.
Source: Flight International
