decollo

Decollo is an Italian noun meaning takeoff, the moment in which an aircraft leaves the ground and begins its ascent. It is most commonly used in aviation to refer to the phase from wheel lift-off through the initial climb, and it is a standard term in flight operations and air traffic communication. The related verb is decollare, and the opposite process is atterraggio (landing).

In aviation usage, the decollo occurs after the aircraft reaches rotation speed and rotates to lift off, continuing into the climb. The duration and characteristics of the decollo depend on factors such as aircraft weight, engine thrust, runway length, weather conditions, and wind. After the decollo, the aircraft transitions to the en route phase of flight.

Beyond aviation, decollo is used metaphorically to denote the start or rapid growth phase of a project, industry, or economy. Phrases such as il decollo economico della regione or il decollo del turismo appear in journalism and economic analysis to describe a period of accelerating development or increasing activity.

Etymology: the noun derives from the Italian verb decollare, meaning to take off, and is cognate with the French décoller, also used in aviation to indicate takeoff. In contemporary Italian, decollo appears in both technical and figurative registers, reflecting both literal flight operations and broader patterns of growth.