The Italian Aerospace Information Web
by Aeromedia - corso Giambone 46/18 - 10135 Torino (Italy)
Capacity shortage for Alitalia
Alitalia is probably experiencing some capacity shortage due to the suspension of the fleet expansion programme, imposed by EU as a condition to the last Governmental financing, and the recent massive route concentration at the Malpensa airport.
During winter 1998-1999, at least two Bae 146-200As of the British carrier Flightline (G-FLTA and G-OZRH) were used for a number of flights on behalf of Azzurra Air, an airline involved in the Alitalia Express network. From April this year on, another Flightline Bae 146-200A (G-TBIC) is operating with full Azzurra Air/Alitalia Express colours and titles.
From January to March 1999, Alitalia used too a Lauda Air Canadair Regional Jet 100LR to start its own regular service from Tutin to Barcelona, a route already exploited in competition by Air Dolomiti and Air Nostrum. The same aircraft was also used to restart the Alitalia connection between Turin and Paris, for a short time, competing with Air France which in turn, on the same route, is offering much more appealing B.737 and Airbus 320 service.
Both these Alitalia flights were cancelled from the summer timetable.
In the pictures: Flightline BAe 146-200A G-OZRH and Lauda Air Canadair Regional Jet 100LR OH-LRH used by Alitalia during winter 1998-1999.
(Aeromedia, May 1999)