ITA Airways Set to Retire Final Airbus A330-200 Fleet This Week

ITA Airways is preparing to conclude a significant chapter in its operational history. According to schedule data reported by AeroRoutes, the Italian flag carrier will operate its final commercial flights using the Airbus A330-200 aircraft in the final days of December 2025. This move marks the complete phase-out of the legacy long-haul fleet inherited from its predecessor, Alitalia.

The retirement of the A330-200, often referred to as the “ceo” (current engine option), signals the airline’s transition to a fully modernized widebody fleet. Starting January 1, 2026, all long-haul operations previously served by these aircraft will be flown by next-generation Airbus A330-900neo or A350-900 jets. This shift aligns with the carrier’s broader Sustainability goals and its ongoing integration into the Lufthansa Group.

Final Scheduled Operations

Data analyzed by AeroRoutes indicates that the A330-200 fleet will perform its last duties on three specific intercontinental routes departing from Rome Fiumicino (FCO). The phase-out is scheduled to occur over three consecutive days, culminating on New Year’s Eve.

The Last Routes

The schedule for the final A330-200 departures is as follows:

• Rome (FCO) – Delhi (DEL): The final flight is scheduled for December 29, 2025.
• Rome (FCO) – New York (JFK): The last operation on this high-frequency route is set for December 30, 2025.
• Rome (FCO) – Boston (BOS): The historic final departure is scheduled for December 31, 2025, with the return leg arriving in Rome on January 1, 2026.

Following these flights, the A330-200s will be withdrawn from commercial service. Passengers booked on these routes from January 1 onward will travel on the airline’s newer widebody aircraft.

Fleet Modernization and Efficiency

Since its launch in October 2021, ITA Airways has pursued an aggressive fleet renewal strategy. The departure of the A330-200s removes the oldest airframes from the carrier’s inventory, which were originally part of Alitalia’s assets. While these aircraft provided reliable service for years, they lacked the fuel efficiency and cabin amenities of modern competitors.

The primary replacement for these routes is the Airbus A330-900neo. According to Manufacturers specifications and ITA Airways’ corporate updates, the A330neo offers significant operational improvements:

• Fuel Efficiency: The new engines and aerodynamic improvements deliver approximately a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation.
• Noise Footprint: The aircraft features a 50% reduction in noise footprint, benefiting airport communities.
• Cabin Experience: The A330neo utilizes the “Airspace” cabin concept, providing larger overhead bins, modern lighting, and improved air quality.

AirPro News analysis

The retirement of the A330-200 is more than just a fleet update; it represents a critical standardization of the passenger experience. The legacy Alitalia A330-200s featured an older generation business class product that, while lie-flat, varied in consistency and privacy compared to modern standards.

By standardizing on the A330-900neo and A350-900, ITA Airways ensures that premium passengers on key transatlantic routes, such as Rome to Boston and New York, receive a consistent “hard product.” This includes full-flat seats with direct aisle access and 4K in-flight entertainment systems. From an operational standpoint, streamlining the pilot pool and MRO requirements to modern Airbus types will likely reduce overhead costs, a crucial factor as the Airlines prepares for its future within the Lufthansa Group.

Strategic Context: Lufthansa Group Integration

This fleet consolidation occurs against the backdrop of major corporate changes. In January 2025, the Lufthansa Group finalized its Acquisitions of a 41% stake in ITA Airways. As part of this integration, the Italian carrier is preparing to exit the SkyTeam alliance and join the Star Alliance in 2026.

Aligning the fleet composition with Lufthansa Group standards helps facilitate smoother operational synergies. The A330-900neo and A350-900 are consistent with the modern widebody strategies employed by group partners like SWISS and Lufthansa, potentially simplifying future network planning and codeshare operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ITA Airways retiring the A330-200?
The aircraft are older, less fuel-efficient, and feature outdated cabin products compared to the new A330-900neo and A350-900. Retiring them reduces fuel costs and improves passenger comfort.

What aircraft will replace the A330-200 on flights to New York and Boston?
Starting January 1, 2026, these routes will be operated by the Airbus A330-900neo or the Airbus A350-900.

Will my flight schedule change?
While the aircraft type is changing, the schedule remains largely the same. However, passengers should always check their booking details for the most up-to-date information.

Sources

AeroRoutes, ITA Airways Corporate Press, Lufthansa Group