Air Italy Winds Up Operations

Italian budget carrier Air Italy announced this week that it had suspended operations and entered liquidation procedures.

The Sardinia-based airline, Italy’s second largest, said that flights through February 25 would be handled by other carriers while those booked after that time will be refunded.

Alisarda controlled 51 percent of Air Italy, with Qatar Airways owning a 49 percent stake in the airline.

Qatar issued a statement expressing its intent to invest more in the airline.

“Even with the changing competitive environment and the increasingly difficult market conditions severely impacting the air transport industry, Qatar Airways has continually reaffirmed its commitment, as a minority shareholder, to continue investing in the company,” Qatar said.

At the same time, Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair said that it would be making an offer for Air Italy today (February 13) at a press conference in Milan.

Meanwhile, the Italian government is seeking alternatives to avoid liquidation as it would lead to the loss of 1,200 jobs.

Besides its domestic flights, Air Italy serviced long-haul destinations including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as direct flights to destinations in Africa.