Washington Dulles welcomes Alitalia

Washington’s Dulles International Airport made this announcement:

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) celebrated Alitalia’s inaugural flight Thursday (May 2) between the U.S. National Capital Region and Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport.

“Alitalia is a great addition to our roster of 33 international carriers at Dulles International Airport, offering 65 daily flights to nearly five dozen nonstop international destinations,” said Jerome L. Davis, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

There was a festive atmosphere at the gate, as passengers on the inaugural flight sipped Italian illy caffè at a pop-up coffee bar and snapped photos with iconic Italian landmarks at a photo booth. Alitalia’s chief business officer, Fabio Lazzerini, and Italy’s ambassador to the United States, Armando Varricchio, welcomed customers and recognized the importance of the new route’s service to connect the U.S. Capital Region to the Eternal City. In addition, a display at the gate recognized the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo Da Vinci, the namesake of Rome’s airport and the inventor of a flying machine.

Dulles International is Alitalia’s sixth passenger service gateway in the United States. Service details include:

Flight No.       From   To       Departure/Arrival          Days

AZ 619            IAD      FCO    1615 / 0700+1                    Mon., Thurs.,Fri., Sat., Sun.

AZ 618            FCO    IAD      0930 / 1330                        Mon., Thurs.,Fri., Sat., Sun.

The new route is operated using an Airbus A330-200, carrying 249 passengers in a three-class configuration, with 19 in Magnifica Business Class, 17 in Premium Economy and 213 in Economy. Passengers across all three classes enjoy a sophisticated dining experience with award-winning menus featuring regional Italian cuisine and premium wines.

Thursday’s Alitalia launch is the latest new air service route from Dulles International in 2019, which saw passenger activity increase by more than 5 percent in 2018. Washington Dulles is the leading international airport in the National Capital Region, with more than 8 million international passengers in 2018.

Photos: Washington Dulles International Airport.