Italian flag-carrier Alitalia has embarked on the next phase of its evolution as a rejuvenated global airline by introducing a new brand identity, including a fresh new livery, which aims to position the famous airline as a leader in innovative and sophisticated flying, and to represent the best of Italy on the world stage. Leading design consultants Landor were commissioned to create a young and seductive new look to represent the airline’s ambitions, utilising the design elements of the airline’s previous iconic livery, which was also created by Landor in 1969.

One of Europe’s leading carriers, Italy-based Alitalia, has selected Sabre technology to help drive its newly announced ‘Reinventing Alitalia’ modernisation program. Under the long-term agreement, Alitalia will migrate to Sabre’s integrated Software-as-a-Service platform for all critical airline operations, including its industry-leading SabreSonic Customer Sales & Service passenger reservations system.

The first flight of the ‘new Alitalia’ took off today from New York JFK at 01:35 ‘Zulu time’ - the time conventionally adopted by the aviation industry, corresponding to 02:35 Italian local time - and landed in Milan Malpensa at 10.40. The flight was operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft in the Expo Milano 2015 livery branded Alitalia and Etihad Airways, Official Global Carriers of the most important Italian event of the year.

Alitalia and Etihad Airways today announced the completion of all the formalities related to the transfer of air transport operations from Alitalia CAI to the new Alitalia SAI. Etihad Airways has subscribed and paid for the capital increase of €387.5 million for the acquisition of a 49 per cent share in Alitalia SAI.

Alitalia and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have unveiled two aircraft in a unique Expo Milano 2015 livery to mark their co-sponsorship of the global event. Expo 2015 will be held in Milan from May 1st 2015 to October 31st 2015 with an estimated 20 million visitors expected to attend the event of which more than a third will travel to the northern Italian city by air.

Etihad Airways and Alitalia have announced that they have signed the transaction implementation agreement which will result in a €1,758 million investment to build a reinvigorated Alitalia as a competitive, sustainably profitable business. The recapitalised Italian national airline will now be able to invest in a comprehensive strategic business plan which will see new long-haul routes from Rome and Milan, a revitalized brand, and a greater focus on Italian tourism and trade promotion.