After a long break Air Italy landed this morning with 195
passengers, taking off from Milan Malpensa at 6.15 pm on October 29, 2019, and
arriving at Velana International Airport at 8.25am on October 30, 2019. Air
Italy is scheduled to have 3 times weekly.
A water salute was given to welcome Air Italys A330 and a
ceremony was held at the Maamehi Executive lounge to celebrate the arrival of
this magnificent airline. The airlines crew was presented with garlands at the
lounge and corporate gifts were exchanged between Air Italy and Maldives
Airports Company Ltd (MACL).
Acting Managing Director of MACL Mr. Moosa Solih said, "Its a pleasure
to see Air Italy being our newest partner and we are confident that the airline
will add value to our airport and benefit the Maldives in terms of Trade &
Tourism and I thank Air Italys Team for choosing Velana International Airport
in their route expansion and I wish Air Italy success in their future
endeavors."
The ceremony was attended by Acting Managing Director of MACL Mr.
Moosa Solih and Consular Agent of Italy Ms. Giorgina Marazzi along with seniors
from Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation. The ceremony was also attended by
airport stake holders, staff of MACL and Air Italys team. The evening ceremony
was concluded with a photo shoot session and light refreshments.
As VIPs and dignitaries gathered to commemorate the
flights inaugural landing, there was a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony to
mark the landing of the A330 aircraft.
Air Italy's Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov, said, "The
Maldives, which will be served during peak periods by three weekly frequencies,
is a perennially popular destination with all travelers, but particularly who
love its fabulous beaches and amazing water.
"Air Italy is working consistently to offer our customers a
luxury flight experience complete with innovative comforts and services, such
as dine on demand in Business Class as we continue to help them imagine the
world differently.
"I am therefore extremely pleased to announce that the passengers
of our inaugural flight to the Maldives are the first to enjoy our latest cabin
innovations, with our wonderful new Economy class blankets and Business Class
velvet duvets, to make the travel experience with Air Italy yet more
memorable."
The Consular Agent of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Marazzi, conveyed a
message from the Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Ms. Rita
Giuliana Manella, who stated "Im extremely happy to see the return of Air Italy,
the second largest airline in Italy, to the Maldives, after an absence of a few
years. It is a testimony not only to the long-lasting relations and friendship
between Italy and the Maldives, but also to the increased interest of the
Italian market to this beautiful country. The Maldives remains the Italian
peoples preferred foreign beach destination. In 2018 alone, we had over
105,800 tourists visiting these wonderful islands. With the return of air
Italy, we hope to further foster our ties with a solid foundation of
solidarity, understanding and mutual sympathy. Not only in the field of tourism
but also as a means to augment economic and scientific relations"
Air Italy's long-haul network is operated by Airbus 330-200s with
24 seats in Business Class and 228 seats in Economy Class, operating from the
Milan Malpensa hub where the airline operates all year round direct flights to
New York (daily) and Miami (daily except Tuesday). Also from Malpensa, Air
Italy offers direct flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto in the
summer season, from March to October, while during from the winter season the
company operate weekly flights to the Maldives, Zanzibar and Mombasa.
Please login to Comment