Cargoitalia Receives First MD-11

Cargoitalia this week took delivery of the first of three MD11SF freighters. The Italian all-cargo airline is preparing to re-launch under the new ownership of ALIS.

The first aircraft is one that was formerly operated by Alitalia Cargo before the change in ownership. It is currently undergoing certification with Italy’s civil aviation authorities prior to entering commercial service. The second aircraft is scheduled to arrive during July, and a third is planned for later in the year.

Cargoitalia’s first scheduled flights will operate from Milan Malpensa Airport – New York – Toronto – Milan – Abu Dhabi – Milan twice weekly. The airline is conducting market studies to determine the best use of the other aircraft.

“Our discussions with freight forwarders throughout Italy have been very positive. The market is clearly very supportive of the return of an Italian-owned, long-haul, all-cargo airline. We look forward very much to the start of our scheduled operations,” said Cargoitalia Commercial Director Roberto Gilardoni.

The original Cargoitalia suspended operations in 2008. The new company is combined with the recently-purchased Alitalia full cargo business. Cargoitalia’s new owners are ALIS and Intesa SanPaolo. ALIS in turn is owned by the family of Chairman and CEO Alcide Leali, other private investors, and Ricerca S.p.A., Selin S.p.A. and Banca Intermobiliare.

Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.