Alitalia

Alitalia – Linee Aeree Italiane, commonly known as Alitalia, was the flag carrier and largest airline of Italy. Founded in 1946, it was headquartered in Rome and operated mainly from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, with Milan–Malpensa serving as a major secondary hub. The airline served domestic routes and international destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, playing a central role in Italian civil aviation for decades.

Over its history, Alitalia underwent several restructurings and changes of ownership. After years of financial difficulties, it was partially privatized in 2009 with a private consortium forming CAI, which took control. In 2014 Etihad Airways acquired a 49% stake, positioning Alitalia as a partner in a joint venture. A state-backed rescue plan followed in 2017 amid continued losses. The company entered bankruptcy protection in 2020 amid the COVID-19 crisis and ceased operations in 2021. ITA Airways, formed and owned by the Italian government, began operations in October 2021 as the successor to Alitalia, inheriting selected routes and staff while pursuing its own business plan.

Fleet and network: In its final years Alitalia operated a mixed fleet focused on short- and medium-haul routes with Airbus narrow-body aircraft, complemented by long-haul aircraft for intercontinental routes. The airline's legacy includes a long-standing role in connecting Italy domestically and internationally, shaping the nation's aviation landscape for decades.

Legacy: Following its dissolution, the Alitalia brand was retired and ITA Airways established to serve as Italy's flag carrier. The transition reflected the broader trend of restructuring in European flag-carrier markets amid changing aviation demand and financial pressures.