Aeroitalia is optimistic about the prospects in the Italian aviation industry, sensing opportunities following the closure of carriers like Blue Panorama. The idea to establish the airline originated in December 2021, according to Aeroitalia President German Efromovich, who spoke with Air Transport World.
“I don't like the term 'low cost' because it doesn't truly exist. We are a low CASK operator. This is our philosophy—focusing on cost efficiency,” Efromovich said. Low CASK refers to cost per seat per kilometer.
Efromovich highlighted the opportunity for Aeroitalia in the wake of several airline closures in Italy. “With the shutdown of Blue Panorama, Meridiana and the demise of Alitalia, the only remaining carriers are ITA Airways and charter operator Neos.”
Aeroitalia currently operates public service obligation (PSO) routes from Rome and Milan to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as charter flights across Europe. “We are flying a lot—we are doing well on the routes where we [are] operating,” Efromovich said.
Headquartered in Rome, Aeroitalia has sold 350,000 tickets between January and June 2023. “In our first year, we achieved profitability, transporting over one million passengers,” Efromovich added.
The airline currently operates five Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a sixth scheduled for delivery soon. Additionally, two wet-leased aircraft have been deployed to meet the high summer season demand.
Aeroitalia's aircraft are based in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Bergamo, with sub-bases on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Efromovich revealed plans for further expansion, but acknowledged that those plans depend on the current market situation. “The aircraft market is complex due to the pandemic. We cannot consider adding more aircraft in a market with inflated lease rates,” he said.
“You don't enter into a lease for just two years. Leasing commitments span from six to twelve years. So, it's not the ideal time for leasing now, but the situation will improve.”
Efromovich started his airline career in 1995 and played a pivotal role in the revival of Avianca Brasil. Later, he moved to Avianca in Colombia, and he successfully integrated airlines like AeroGal, TACA, Aero Union and Tampa Cargo into Avianca. “To consolidate an airline in Europe and to be able to compete, you need at least 25 to 30 aircraft,” he noted.
When asked if Aeroitalia is considering the Boeing 737 MAX, Efromovich explained that they are exploring options while lessors offer both Airbus A320neo and 737 MAX aircraft. He added: “The engines still have some issues, and as a small carrier, we lack the capacity to rotate aircraft in case of grounding. We need all our aircraft operational.”
Regarding long-haul operations, Aeroitalia is currently not operating widebody aircraft. “As a young airline, our priority is to consolidate our operations first. Venturing into long-haul routes is like establishing another airline, requiring extensive training, ETOPS certification and more,” he said.
Efromovich said that Aeroitalia is in the final stages of securing IATA Operational Safety Audit certification and has a highly experienced team. “We have approximately 800 years of combined experience. Now, my challenge is to recruit younger talent.”
For Efromovich, survival is the primary strategy for Aeroitalia in a highly competitive and demanding market, he said. “I often say that aviation is a mathematical equation with numerous variables but no constants. It's a near-impossible puzzle, and that's the challenge.”
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