By Pino Modola in Genoa

Eurofly has launched all-business class services between Milan and New York Kennedy three weeks later than planned after overcoming US Department of Transportation (DoT) opposition by switching airports.

The US objection to the service was due to the fact that the airline wanted to operate from Milan’s downtown airport Linate, which is closed to airlines for long-haul services. The US DoT was only prepared to permit the services to operate between Linate and Kennedy if US carriers were allowed reciprocal access to the Italian airport.

To enable the flights to begin – using a 48-seat Airbus A319 – Eurofly has switched to Milan’s designated international airport at Malpensa, north of the city.

The airline is operating daily services between Monday and Friday, with fares typically around €3,000 ($3,800).

The service is intended to be an alternative to the use of private aircraft.

Source: Flight International