ITA Airways inaugurates the first pet-friendly flight for large dogs
ITA Airways has taken a historic step in Italian air transport with the first demonstration flight that allows large dogs to travel in the cabin without a carrier. On the scheduled connection between Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, two dogs flew next to their respective owners, comfortably accommodated in dedicated seats - one in the first and one in the last row.
This experimentation, made possible by the new ENAC provisions for the transport of pets in the cabin, defines safety standards and operating procedures that will allow passengers and pets to travel together, overcoming the traditional distinction between cabin and hold.
This is a natural evolution for ITA Airways, already a pioneer in the enhancement of services dedicated to travelers with animals: from 20 June 2024, the company had increased the weight allowed for pets in the cabin by 25%, bringing it from 8 to 10 kg (plus the 2 kg of the carrier).
On board the demonstration flight were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, the President of ITA Airways Sandro Pappalardo and the President of ENAC Pierluigi Di Palma, testifying to a project that unites institutions and airline for an increasingly inclusive journey.
"We are really proud of this milestone that places us at the forefront among European carriers – said Sandro Pappalardo , President of Ita Airways. It is not just a commercial opportunity, but a cultural revolution that focuses on respect, care and inclusiveness. We will continue to work to progressively extend the possibility of purchasing tickets for pets weighing and larger than the current ones."
ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma underlined how this initiative represents "a cultural change even before a regulatory one, recognizing animals as true members of the family, in line with the revision of art. 9 of the Italian Constitution". Di Palma will present the ENAC Guidelines at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montréal, together with Deputy Minister Edoardo Rixi and ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, as an international example for truly pet-friendly aviation.
