Aegean Airlines vs Air Italy

Overview

Aegean Airlines is the flag carrier of Greece and, according to Wikipedia, the country's largest airline by passengers, destinations and fleet. It was founded in January 1995, began scheduled operations in 1999 and is listed on the Athens Exchange (AEGN). Its headquarters are at Spata, near Athens. It has been a Star Alliance member since June 2010 and owns Olympic Air, which it acquired after European Commission approval in 2013; the two brands still operate separately. For 2025 it reported revenue of €1.86 billion and a record 17.3 million passengers (Aviation Outlook).

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Athens and Thessaloniki. Secondary bases include Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kalamata and Larnaca. As of 2026 the airline flies to 133 destinations, excluding charters and Olympic Air flights. The network covers domestic Greek routes, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

Fleet

The fleet is all-Airbus. As of July 2026, Wikipedia lists 70 aircraft in service:

• 24 Airbus A320-200
• 21 Airbus A320neo
• 3 Airbus A321-200
• 22 Airbus A321neo

There are 17 further orders: 11 A321neo and 6 A321LR, with the A321LRs due from 2027 to 2028. The older A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft are to be replaced by A321neos. The airline has also ordered two A321XLR aircraft.

On board

Aircraft have Economy and Business cabins. The A321LR is planned to have a dedicated long-haul cabin with lie-flat business seats. Wi-Fi is fitted to the A320neo family and some A320ceo aircraft, with paid packages and a Free 10-minute option. This profile does not state meal policy or seat pitch, as no sourced figures were found; check the airline's site for the fare booked.

Good to know

• Baggage: Economy passengers may carry one 8 kg cabin bag. Third-party sources, such as Eurosender, say Economy Light and Flex (Saver) fares include no checked bag, which can be bought separately. Rules vary by fare and route, so check before travelling.
• Lounges: Aegean Business Lounges operate in Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaca. Access is for business class passengers and Miles+Bonus Gold or Star Alliance Gold members, and cannot be bought, according to Head for Points.
• Loyalty: Miles+Bonus is shared with Olympic Air and has Blue, Silver and Gold tiers. Miles can be earned and redeemed across Star Alliance (10xTravel).
• Punctuality: AirAdvisor reports an 84.1% on-time rate for 2023.

Global Network and Operations

Air Italy operated a strategic European and international network focused on connecting Italy with key destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Before ceasing operations, the fleet consisted of approximately 12 aircraft, mainly Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737 MAX 8s for short and medium-haul, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights. The airline’s main base was Milan Malpensa Airport, serving both business and leisure travelers.
• Focused on primary Italian hubs: Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino.
• Operated key routes linking Italy to the Middle East, North America, India, and holiday destinations in Europe and Africa.
• Positioned as a challenger to legacy carriers by offering competitive fares paired with full-service amenities.

Innovation and Milestones

Air Italy was notable for its modernization and attempts at strategic growth in the competitive Italian market:
• Became the Italian flag carrier after Alitalia’s restructuring challenges.
• Introduced Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its long-haul fleet, enhancing passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
• Adopted a hybrid business model combining low-cost fare structures with full-service offerings.
• Launched expanded routes towards North America and India, increasing Italy’s connectivity.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Air Italy provided a three-class cabin service on long-haul flights (Business, Premium Economy, Economy) with ergonomically designed seats and inflight entertainment systems. The airline was appreciated for its customer service quality, modern cabin interiors, and competitive pricing. Although it was a relatively young carrier, it received positive passenger feedback for reliability and onboard experience.

Future Outlook

Although Air Italy ceased operations in 2020 due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the global pandemic, its brand and strategic approach influenced Italy’s aviation market. The model of combining competitive pricing with a full-service product informed future Italian carriers’ strategies. Potential revival or rebranding efforts remain topics of industry speculation.