| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 26/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 26 |
| Copyright: Other |
New franchise plans
BAset to move on domestic Italian market
Report by PAUL NORRIS
BRITISH Airways has confirmed it is launching a domestic Italian operation nearly a year after the carrier was tipped to break into the market.National Jet Italia will act as a BA franchise from its Rome base to Sicilian cities Palermo and Catania. National Jet Italia will fly in BA colours.
A 94-seater BAe 146 aircraft offering 12 Club Europe seats and 82 Euro Traveller seats will operate the Palermo route from July 11. A service to Catania starts soon after.
Disputes over aircraft and licences delayed the start of BA’s franchise operation to the potentially lucrative internal Italian market.
The two initial services will be operated four times a day and this will eventually rise to eight.
BA also revealed it was looking at adding extra routes from Rome to key Italian cities. These are expected to include Milan, Turin and Venice.
BA’s director of alliances, franchises and subsidiaries David Noyes said the addition of National Jet Italia as an 11th franchise carrier for the airline was part of BA’s policy to expand its network.
“Through our franchise partners, we are successfully developing the BA network and in this regard Palermo and Catania are additions,” said Noyes.
The new flights will link up with BA’s seven daily services to the Italian capital from Heathrow and Gatwick. The National Jet Italia operation will be part of BA’s Oneworld alliance. Fares have not yet been announced.
Market entry: National Jet Italia will act as a BAfranchise from its base in Rome