Alitalia has put its first 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet into service. The Italian carrier has six on order and options on a further 15, for delivery between next year and 2003. Some of the options could be transferred to the bigger ERJ-170 or ERJ-190.
Meanwhile, the airline has halted moves to replace its Boeing MD-80/83s and single Boeing MD-11. A decision was to be taken with KLM, but the Dutch airline's decision to dissolve its alliance with Alitalia has ended this. Further moves may await Alitalia's selection of another partner.
Alitalia will also introduce eight Boeing 747-400s to replace 747-200s being retired by the end of next year.
Source: Flight International
