sky

Alitalia and Avianca Brasil and have entered into a wide-ranging codeshare, with effect from July 3. Under the agreement, Alitalia will place its AZ code on 21 of Avianca Brasil’s domestic routes and 1 international service from São Paulo Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro. Alitalia recently increased its Italy-Brazil frequencies to 18X-weekly, comprising 11 Rome Fiumicino-São Paulo Guarulhos frequencies and 7X-weekly on Rome-Rio de Janeiro. Avianca Brasil is a important partner for Alitalia, as Brazil has a significant Italian community, said Alitalia strategy and operations chief Massimo Iraci. “Alitalia is going ahead with its strategy to develop commercial agreements with major international airlines…especially in those markets which present great growth opportunities for the airline.” <br/>

Saudi Arabian Airlines could order up to 20 Boeing widebody aircraft as early as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK later this month, according to industry insiders. The carrier has been contemplating a widebody aircraft order for years including showing interest in Airbus’ superjumbo A380. However, consensus among the community of aviation industry professionals suggests the carrier will opt for the new Boeing 777X aircraft and an order could result as early as the Farnborough Airshow in the UK later this month. Speculation has been rife about when the order could be made. Some had speculated the order would be announced during Saudi prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s tour of the US in April. Attention has now shifted to Farnborough. <br/>