Air Italy replaces grounded B737 with support from strategic partner Bulgaria Air

Olbia, March 14th 2019 - Air Italy would like to announce that following the grounding of its B737 Max 8 fleet in compliance with EASA and ENAC directives, the airline has arranged a replacement aircraft through its strategic partner, Bulgaria Air.

Just two weeks ago on February 28th Air Italy announced the commencement of its Code Share with Bulgaria Air, and this latest endeavour signals yet another link in the development of this fast-growing partnership.

“With the grounding of our B737 aircraft, it was vital to find alternative aircraft as rapidly as possible to minimise any impact on our passengers,” said Air Italy Chief Operating Officer, Rossen Dimitrov.

“Now thanks to our strategic partner Bulgaria Air – and in particular to the rapid and generous support of Ivo Kamenov, Chief Executive Officer of Chimimport AD, one of Bulgaria’s largest holding companies which Bulgaria Air is part of, and Bulgaria Air Chief Executive Officer Hristo Todorov – we have been very fortunate in being able to lease an A319 aircraft from them at very short notice.

“Just last month we inaugurated our new Code Share with Bulgaria Air and this latest cooperation proves testament yet again to this close business relationship and the strength of this valued partnership. Given the overall situation within our industry at this moment, this is something for which we are very grateful.”

Bulgaria Air will lease an A319 to Air Italy for an unspecified time to fly on behalf of Air Italy across a range of its routes.

Air Italy’s B737 fleet will remain grounded along with other airlines’ B737 fleets in line with global aviation regulators’ directives.