ITA Airways, the national airline of Italy (and soon a Lufthansa Group airline), has just taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900neo. This marks an exciting new chapter for the airline, as these planes have all new interiors specifically designed for the airline.
ITA Airways has 17 Airbus A330-900neos on order
ITA Airways has a total of 17 Airbus A330-900neos on order, which should eventually become the backbone of the carrier’s long haul fleet. ITA’s long haul fleet otherwise consists of eight A350-900s and eight A330-200s. The plan is for the previous generation A330s to be retired by 2025, meaning at that point ITA’s long haul fleet will consist of latest generation A350s and A330s.
This week, ITA took delivery of its very first A330-900neo, which is a major milestone for the airline. The plan is for all 17 aircraft to join ITA Airways’ fleet by the end of 2027. The first A330-900neo should enter passenger service as of early June, flying between Rome (FCO) and New York (JFK).
For what it’s worth, 10 of these aircraft have been acquired directly from Airbus, while seven have been leased from Air Lease Corporation. The A330-900neo looks pretty snazzy in ITA Airways’ livery, and for that matter, this will be the first Lufthansa Group airline to start flying the A330-900neo.
ITA Airways’ Airbus A330-900neo cabins
What should passengers expect from the cabins of ITA Airways’ A330-900neos? One cool thing is that these cabins were actually designed for ITA Airways, unlike the ones on the A350-900s, as those aircraft were initially intended for Hainan Airlines, and the same interiors were maintained.
ITA Airways’ A330-900neos feature a total of 291 seats, spread across three cabins. Let’s take a look at the details.
ITA Airways’ A330-900neo business class
ITA’s Airbus A330-900neos feature a total of 30 business class seats, in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. Specifically, the airline chose the popular Thompson Vantage XL product, featuring beige and blue leather. Each seat has a fully flat bed, a 17.3″ personal television, charging ports, and Bluetooth audio.
ITA Airways’ A330-900neo premium economy
Airbus A330-900neos feature a total of 24 premium economy seats, in a 2-3-2 configuration. Specifically, the airline chose the Safran Z535i seats, featuring a generous 40″ of pitch. Each seat has ample recline, a 15.6″ personal television, charging ports, and Bluetooth audio.
It’s interesting to note that while ITA’s A330-300s feature premium economy, the company’s A350-900s don’t. Presumably that’s simply because the airline inherited interiors from Hainan Airlines. I’m curious if the airline plans to eventually retrofit A350s with premium economy, or if the airline will only have this product on certain aircraft (I imagine the former will be the case). I have to say, this premium economy cabin looks pretty exceptional to me.
ITA Airways’ A330-900neo economy
Airbus A330-900neos feature a total of 237 economy seats, in a 2-4-2 configuration. Specifically, the airline chose the Safran Z400 seats, featuring 31″ of pitch. Each seat has a 13.3″ personal television and Bluetooth audio. Furthermore, the first several rows of the cabin feature an extra 3″ of legroom, known as “Comfort Economy.”
Bottom line
ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first of 17 Airbus A330-900neos, with the remaining jets expected to join the carrier’s fleet through 2027. These planes have beautiful interiors, and are in a three cabin layout. ITA Airways has a new business class on this aircraft, and also has premium economy, so it’s exciting to see that cabin live on at ITA.
I can’t wait to fly with ITA’s A330-900neo… hopefully using Star Alliance miles, soon!
What do you make of ITA Airways’ new A330-900neos?
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