In a bid to enhance connections between Italian municipalities and global destinations, Lufthansa’s soon-to-be-owned Italian flag carrier, ITA Airways, has announced a new service. This comes as the company aligns its operations with its fundamental principles and aspirations, namely environmental responsibility, innovation, and passenger-centric services.
Inter-modality Takes Centre Stage
As disclosed by ITA Airways’ CEO and general manager Fabio Lazzerini, inter-modality is at the heart of the carrier’s operations. This approach unifies the company’s values and ambitions, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and the needs of passengers.
Combined Flight and Rail Tickets on Offer
Passengers will now be afforded the option to buy combined flight and rail tickets. These tickets will be valid on Trenitalia’s high-speed ‘Frecciarossa’ trains or the Leonardo Express, which connects Rome Termini and Fiumicino.
Trenitalia’s “FCO Connect” to Ease Baggage Formalities
In addition, Trenitalia is set to pilot a new service dubbed “FCO Connect” this year. The service aims to allow international ITA Airways passengers, excluding flights to the US or Israel, to complete baggage check-in at the airport train terminal.
The Importance of Intermodal Services
Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma, underscored the significance of the intermodal agreement, emphasizing its role in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. It is crucial to ensure that the service is easily accessible and competitive, offers a fast connection, minimizes wait times, and provides dedicated assistance.
High-Speed Links to Major Italian Towns in Pipeline
Plans to establish high-speed links connecting key Italian cities like Naples, Florence, Bologna, Padua, and Venice are also underway, as Trenitalia announced in a joint press release.
Integrated Air and Rail Tickets for International Travelers
In a strategic partnership with intermodal technology provider Accessrail, ITA Airways will extend its integrated air and rail ticket service to passengers from Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK. The ITA Airways Contact Center, the company’s ticket offices, and authorized agents will be selling these combination tickets.
Italo Acquires Itabus: A Boon for Tourists
High-speed rail service provider Italo has recently purchased Itabus, a startup that operates a fleet of 100 coaches and offers day and night services. Italo’s CEO Gianbattista La Rocca believes that this acquisition presents a truly integrated transportation solution for tourists.
The combined service, with initial focus on Campania, Sicily, and Puglia in southern Italy, is slated to launch this summer.
