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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Airways (QA) has announced a new codeshare agreement with Air Italy, starting April 24.
The new agreement provides codeshares on Air Italy's routes between Milan-Malpensa Airport and six domestic cities across Italy, including Catania (CTA), Rome (FCO), Naples (NAP), Olbia (OLB), Palermo (PMO) and Calabria (SUF).
The agreement also consists of Air Italy's route between Rome Fiumicino Airport and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB).
QA first began flying to Italy in 2002 with a service from Doha to Milan. A year later, the airline launched direct service to Rome. In 2011, the award-winning airline started operating to Venice, and in 2016, QA further strengthened its commitment to the country with a daily service to Pisa.
Since adding its fourth Italian destination, QA has been operating 42 weekly flights from its home and hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport (HIA), to Italy. From April 24, Air Italy will also offer codeshare flights on all of QA's Italy to Doha services along with two further routes on the QA network to Singapore and Male.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar al Baker said:"We are pleased to be announcing this codeshare with the newly-launched Air Italy. The new agreement will provide seamless connectivity for Qatar Airways passengers arriving at our Italian gateways, onto further domestic destinations, enabling them to explore this beautiful country. This codeshare between Qatar Airways and Air Italy demonstrates the strengthening ties between Italy and Qatar two countries that share many economic affiliations."
In 2017, QA acquired 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Air Italy. Italy's long established privately owned airline was previously known as Meridiana, however, in February this year, the airline announced a new phase of growth and development, starting with its brand new identity and livery as Air Italy. The new airline aims to acquire 50 aircraft by 2022, and has already committed to receiving 20 brand new Boeing 737-Max aircraft type, starting this month.
