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Air Italy

Italy · AIR ITALY

Airlines

I9Active

Air Italy

Italy · AIR ITALY

Routes

Hubs

AEY

ICAO

IATA

TravelerPulse profile

Italy's second-largest airline, connecting the world.

Founded

1963

Headquarters

Olbia, Italy

Air Italy was an Italian airline that operated as the country's second-largest carrier before ceasing operations. Originally founded as Meridiana, the airline was rebranded as Air Italy in 2018 following a major investment by Qatar Airways, which acquired a 49% stake in the carrier. The airline operated scheduled domestic and international flights, including long-haul routes to North America and Asia, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to Alitalia. Its main hub was at Milan Malpensa Airport, with a secondary hub at Olbia Airport in Sardinia, the historical base of the former Meridiana. Air Italy abruptly ceased all operations in February 2020 after its shareholders, Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Qatar Airways, decided to liquidate the company. The sudden shutdown left thousands of passengers stranded and resulted in significant job losses among the airline's staff.

Hubs & network

Air Italy operated its primary hub at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and a secondary hub at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) in Sardinia.

Fleet

Air Italy operated a fleet that included Boeing 737 MAX 8, Boeing 767-300ER, and Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Notable facts

›Air Italy was rebranded from Meridiana in 2018 following Qatar Airways acquiring a 49% stake.
›The airline ceased all operations on February 25, 2020, after shareholders voted to liquidate the company.
›Meridiana, the airline's predecessor, was founded in 1963 and was historically based in Sardinia.
›At its peak, Air Italy employed approximately 1,450 staff members.
›The airline briefly operated long-haul routes to destinations including New York, Miami, and Bangkok.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.

Air Italy connected Italy and the world with modern ambition

Air Italy, formerly known as Meridiana, was an Italian airline headquartered in Olbia, Sardinia, with roots stretching back to 1963. The carrier underwent a significant rebranding and expansion in 2018 following investment from Qatar Airways, establishing Milan Malpensa as its principal international hub. Operations ceased in February 2020 when the airline entered liquidation, leaving a brief but notable chapter in Italian aviation history.

Primary Hubs

MXP OLB

Cabin Classes

EconomyBusiness

Fleet Note

Air Italy operated a mixed fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft during its final years of operation.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.