ITA Airways, the flag carrier of Italy, is reportedly exploring new routes to the U.S.
According to a report from Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, ITA is considering launching nonstop routes from Rome to Newark, New Jersey, and Houston. Corriere cited individuals with knowledge of the airline’s planning; ITA declined to comment.
The report said the routes could come online in 2027. Both Newark and Houston are hubs for United, Corriere pointed out, which could help ITA’s operations when the carrier formally joins the Star Alliance next year. United is a founding member of the Star Alliance.
ITA currently flies nonstop between Rome and JFK.
ITA is also considering adding routes from Rome to Mumbai, Singapore, and Osaka, Japan, among other destinations.
The Corriere report suggested the airline is looking at expanding its network to boost profitability.
Some of the carrier’s planning hinges on geopolitical events outside its control, including the reopening of Russian airspace to Western carriers, which would allow ITA to connect with Moscow and expand service to Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
