Alitalia Turnaround Takes Off

Alitalia is making it new as it works to speed up its return to profitability.

Alitalia’s chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and the president and CEO of Etihad Airways, James Hogan (who is also the vice-chairman of Alitalia) revealed the details of a number of customer service enhancements designed to improve the travel experience for its passengers, as well as confirming its three-year business plan was on track for profitability by 2017.

Highlights of the enhancements include two new long haul destinations, the first chauffeur service for business travellers, the opening of new VIP lounges and the refurbishment of existing ones at airports, new cabin interiors and Internet and email connectivity on board, as well as a focus on improving customer service at Fiumicino airport.

The carrier’s chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo commented: “Our performance is in line with the business plan. And, for the first time since 2009, the load factor for the quarter exceeded 80% and we are on track to meet our objective of reaching profitability by 2017.”

Cordero di Montezemolo continued: “We are announcing today two new destinations in Latin America, new services for business customers, significant investment in ground services at Fiumicino airport and an aggressive program to improve the medium-haul fleet. These will be introduced shortly and will help to transform the travel experience for customers flying with Alitalia.”

Hogan, vice chairman of Alitalia, added: “Together we have come a long way. Alitalia is ascending but it still has challenges and to maintain momentum we need to accelerate cultural and operational change at every level within the company.”

Hogan noted: “Being part of Etihad Airways Partners will help Alitalia succeed in its drive to profitability and with market confidence growing, its customers will have much to look forward to and experience in the next six months and beyond.”

For more, go to http://www.alitalia.com .