The launch of a luxury airline to serve Sardinia is being planned by a leading figure in Formula 1 motor racing.
Italian multi-millionaire Flavio Briatore, team boss of Formula 1 team RenaultF1, says the airline, Billion Air, would initially operate from Rome and Milan to Olbia, with services from the UK to the Mediterranean island being planned later. The move will put Briatore in direct competition with the Aga Khan's Sardinian airline Meridiana.
"There would be a maximum of 50 to 60 people on any flight and a luxury service, including champagne, typical Sardinian food and the opportunity to watch a news programme filmed just minutes before departure," says Briatore. He adds that he hopes the airline will begin operations next year using BAe 146s.
Source: Flight International
