23 May 2025

Interview with Gaetano Intrieri

Chief Executive Manager of Aeroitalia

Prof. Intrieri, as Chief Executive Officer, what are the main responsibilities and areas of expertise you cover on a daily basis?

"I would say the management of the company's main processes, but there is an even more important aspect, attention to people. Obviously, without a solid and profitable structure, it is not possible to build anything lasting. That's why I make sure every day that all areas of the company operate efficiently. You need an overall vision, strategic ability and lucidity in defining the direction to take in a complex and constantly evolving market.

At the same time, it is essential to be ready to manage the unexpected and seize opportunities with timely decisions and targeted investments. My experience in the airline industry is an advantage, but what really makes the difference is the daily work alongside a competent, responsive and motivated team. In this sense, valuable support also comes from the new sales director, Massimo Di Perna, who is doing an excellent job and contributing concretely to the development of our vision".

Gaetano Intrieri, Chief Executive Manager di Aeroitalia Copyright © Aeroitalia — **Gaetano Intrieri, Chief Executive Manager of Aeroitalia** Copyright © Aeroitalia

Aeroitalia was founded in 2022. What were the main motivations behind the creation of a new Italian airline?

"Aeroitalia was born to bring an Italian company back to the sky, with identity and independence. But also to better connect some areas of the country, key for tourism, trade and mobility of citizens, with a particular focus on southern Italy and the islands. After several years of interruption, we have reopened the historic Malpensa-Rome route.

Aeroitalia was a bet between giants, but also a project born from the passion for the airline sector that I have been studying for years and that I particularly care about. We wanted to build something new, and we succeeded, reaching today about five hundred people hired and growing, day after day".

How does Aeroitalia stand out from other airlines in terms of services offered and corporate philosophy?

"It is a project built entirely on the daily work of people who believe in it and invest time, commitment, skills. We have had no state aid or shortcuts. Our business model is based on operational efficiency, quality of service and careful and responsible management of resources. But we believe in a job well done, in professionalism and in results built day by day, with economic balance and long-term vision. What makes the real difference, however, is passion".

Currently, what are the main operational hubs and destinations served by Aeroitalia in Italy and Europe? Are you planning to open new routes?

"Our main airport is Rome Fiumicino, we also have operational bases in Olbia, Cagliari, Palermo and Catania. In Italy we fly to all three airports of the Milan system, namely Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo as well as Parma, Lamezia and Perugia.

About foreign destinations we fly from Rome to Lublin, Brno, Bacau and Bucharest. We are planning to introduce new routes to Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece and Turkey. They reflect our growth strategy".

What types of aircraft does your fleet include?

"Our fleet consists of nine Boeing 737-800s that will soon become ten, two ATRs and two Embraers operated for us by Marathon Airlines".

Aeromobile di Aeroitalia Copyright © Aeroitalia — **Aeroitalia aircraft** Copyright © Aeroitalia

What measures have been taken to improve the passenger experience from booking to services on board your flights?

"We have invested in digitizing the booking process, making it easier and faster. On board we have focused on a trained crew, made up largely of motivated young people and experienced professionals, some of whom have found a new opportunity in Aeroitalia after interrupting paths in other companies. We have introduced the on-board food and beverage sales service, a step towards a more complete and passenger-friendly offer. In addition, at Rome Fiumicino airport we are working on the creation of a dedicated and exclusive lounge area for our customers".

How does Aeroitalia address the challenges related to environmental sustainability in the aviation sector?

"We try to optimize the performance of our aircraft in flight to reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. We operate efficient aircraft, digitalize and evaluate the use of future solutions such as sustainable fuels. Sustainability is an integral part of our long-term vision".

What are Aeroitalia's future strategies and plans in terms of expansion and development?

"We are ambitious. In June, the Aeroitalia Aviation Academy, a school for pilots, will start. Our plan is to consolidate our presence in Italy, expand the European network and, in the future, also evaluate long-haul routes. We want to grow by increasing the fleet and creating new employment opportunities in Italy. But that's not all. We aim to increase the hiring of qualified personnel, creating new job opportunities".

Interview by Angela Trivigno

Avion Tourism Magazine