Welcome to the U.S., Air One!!!

[AA 1818]

Air One, Italy's No. 1 private airline, announced today it is launching its first intercontinental flights between the U.S. and Italy. Air One passengers can fly from Boston and Chicago directly to Milan, the industrial and financial heart of Italy, as well as the point of departure to some of Northern Italy's top destinations: elegant Turin, romantic Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, exclusive Lake Como and the magnificent Alps.

From lift-off Air One passengers will be immersed in Italian culture, thanks to Italian cuisine, in-flight entertainment offering Italian films and with onboard outfitting that guarantees maximum relaxation, making the flight an authentic "Made in Italy" experience. The Airbus A330's business class provides comfortable seating for 38.

Air One's inaugural flight to Boston will arrive at Logan International Airport (BOS) on Saturday, June 14; the Boston-Milan connection will fly daily, excluding Tuesday and Thursday. The inaugural flight to Chicago will arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on Saturday, June 21, and will operate daily, excluding Wednesdays. Air One's intercontinental connections will operate as codeshares with United Airlines. Passengers who fly these routes can accumulate points for frequent flyer programs Mileage Plus of United Airlines and Miles & More of Lufthansa.

http://www.centredaily.com/business/story/593391.html

Em - right about now, I am sure that Alitalia is not feeling very well. Best of luck to the Air One, and Alitalia needs to start worrying (if, by this time they have not already). Anyway, this simply seems as a way of preparing for the inevitable demist of Alitalia!

[FireLight]

Berlusconi to the Rescue

Em - right about now, I am sure that Alitalia is not feeling very well. Best of luck to the Air One, and Alitalia needs to start worrying (if, by this time they have not already). Anyway, this simply seems as a way of preparing for the inevitable demist of Alitalia!

Berlusconi says he's got Alitalia's back. What could go wrong with that.

Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has insisted the country's national airline, Alitalia, will pull through its financial crisis.

The carrier would not be nationalised or sold off cheaply, but saved with "the financial support" of Italian firms, Mr Berlusconi pledged.

Alitalia needed a 300m-euro ($463m; £238m) loan from the previous prime minister after a takeover collapsed.

More here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7398163.stm