ITA Airways Unveils Direct Flight Connecting Chicago to Rome

ITA Airways, Italy's national airline, has inaugurated its direct flight service from Chicago O'Hare to Rome Fiumicino, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The service commenced with its first flight departing Chicago at 3:00 p.m. local time, aboard the Airbus A330neo, a testament to ITA Airways' commitment to innovation, efficiency, and the promotion of Italian design.

The launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, attended by ITA Airways executives, the Consul General of Italy in Chicago, and representatives from the Chicago Department of Aviation. This new route, ITA Airways' seventh in North America, strengthens its intercontinental network and underlines the airline's dedication to connecting the United States with Italy and, by extension, Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Emiliana Limosani, ITA Airways Chief Commercial Officer, expressed pride in the introduction of the Chicago-Rome flight, highlighting its significance for the Italian and international business communities, as well as for the Mediterranean region. This sentiment was echoed by Thomas Botzios, Consul General of Italy in Chicago, who emphasized the route's contribution to closer ties between Italy and the American Midwest.

The direct Chicago-Rome flight, which will initially operate six times weekly, increasing to daily in June, is part of ITA Airways' broader summer expansion. This includes the launch of a Toronto-Rome direct flight and additional intercontinental destinations, bringing ITA Airways' peak season weekly flights between North America and Italy to 140.

This expansion not only caters to the significant Italian and American-Italian communities in the Midwest but also aligns with Chicago's vision as a global destination, as noted by city officials and the head of Choose Chicago. The new route, alongside the introduction of seasonal connections to popular Mediterranean tourist destinations, reinforces ITA Airways' role as an ambassador of Italian excellence and sustainability in aviation.