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| EI-GFY Boeing 737 MAX 8 Air Italy |
Air Italy took delivery of it’s first Irish Registered Boeing 737 MAX 8 EI-GFY construction number 64605 on Monday 14 May. The aircraft was delivered Paine Field direct to Shannon Airport and onwards to Milan Malpensa.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said “It is truly a remarkable moment to be witnessing the launch of a new era in Italian aviation. The touchdown of Air Italy’s first Boeing B737 Max in new livery at Milan marks the beginning of a new travel experience for the people of Italy. Not only are we pleased to be part of this memorable moment, but we are delighted to be supporting it by leasing Air Italy with five Airbus A330-200 aircraft this year from the Qatar Airways fleet.”
The new Boeing 737 Max aircraft features modern and spacious cabins, superior operating economics and a greater fuel efficiency. The aircraft type will feature Business Class seating and will replace Air Italy’s existing Boeing 737-800’s.
The inaugural aircraft EI-GFY is the first of nearly 50 new aircraft that will be added to the Air Italy fleet by 2022. This is the first of 20 new Boeing B737 Max aircraft that will join the Air Italy fleet over the next three years.
In 2017 Qatar Airways acquired 49 per cent of AQA Holding , the new parent company of Air Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda maintained 51 per cent.
Air Italy’s fleet comprises of eight Boeing 737-800 and three Boeing 767-300, will be progressively renewed with eight new aircraft, three brand new Boeing 737 MAX-8 and five Airbus A330-200 this year.
Image courtesy of Air Italy
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 19 May 2018 All Rights Reserved
