Alitalia launches new passenger services

Published: 28/06/2008 - Filed under: News »

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Italy’s national carrier has improved several of its ground and onboard services, including additional self check-in machines at Heathrow and enhancements to its in-flight entertainment system.

Alitalia has added two new self-service check-in kiosks opposite the departure gates at Heathrow T2, for use by passengers with hand luggage only. Fasttrack security lanes for premium customers have also been added at Rome Fiumicino (Terminal A), Milan Linate and Turin airports.

The carrier’s online check-in facilities have been extended to allow multiple check-in for up to seven passengers on the same booking, as well as a return check-in option for those returning the same day.

New executive lounges have been opened at Rome Fiumicino - Terminal A (Sala Bramante) and Terminal C (Sala Canova), Milan Linate - landside (Sala Parini) and airside (Sala Manzoni), Turin (Sala Alfieri) and Catania (Sala Bellini). The lounges feature meeting rooms, flatscreen TVs, Italian and international newspapers, a new catering service, and wifi internet access (which will also be added to the existing lounge at Heathrow in the near future).

In-flight, Alitalia has increased the number of films available on its individual TV screens fitted in the carrier’s B777 aircraft, and introduced a movie service on medium-haul flights over 3 hours 10 minutes. Improvements are also planned for its onboard catering service.

Alitalia’s future remains uncertain, with takeover talk with Skyteam partner Air France-KLM having stalled earlier this year. The news of improvements to Alitalia’s services comes as rival Air One launched its first intercontinental routes from Milan Malpensa to Boston and Chicago this week (see online new June 27).

For more information visit alitalia.com, flyairone.it.

Report by Mark Caswell

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