Airbus said on Wednesday that ITA Airways, Italy’s new national carrier, has firmed up an order with for 28 aircraft including seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos, the latest version of the A330 widebody airliner.

The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding announced on September 30, 2021.

ITA Airways will aLSO pursue its plans to lease A350s to complement its fleet modernisation.

“Today the strategic partnership with Airbus takes an important step forward with the finalisation of the order we announced last September,” said Alfredo Altavilla, executive president of ITA Airways.

“In addition to this agreement, possibilities for further collaboration have emerged, in particular regarding technological developments in the aviation sector and digitalisation, where Airbus is the market leader.

“All this is part of the actions to achieve our environmental sustainability objectives.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, said: “We are very proud to partner with ITA Airways in building its long-term future with the most efficient, latest technology Airbus aircraft.

“This agreement supports ITA Airways business objectives to develop its network in Europe and internationally in the most sustainable way.”

These new Airbus aircraft will expand the initial ITA Airways fleet with a new generation aircraft with better environmental performance, equipped with latest technologies and state-of-the-art cabins to guarantee maximum operational efficiencies for the airline and the best comfort to travelers.