ITA Airways is taking part in the 2023 edition of SkyTeam's Sustainable Flight Challenge, following last year’s success when the Italian flag carrier won two awards. Last year, ITA Airways took first place in the “Greatest CO2 Reduction Medium-haul” and “Best Waste Management” categories, as well as the title of “Best Employee Engagement”, highlighting the work and team spirit that animated the participation of ITA Airways' people. 

This year, the carrier is participating in The Sustainable Flight Challenge with four flights: 

 The first two flights will be on the intercontinental Rome-Fiumicino/Miami route, operated with an A-330 airplane. Flight AZ630 departs Rome-Fiumicino on 20 May at 10:40, arriving in Miami at 15:55, and flight AZ631 will depart Miami same-day at 19:25, arriving at ITA’s Fiumicino hub at 11:35 the day after. 

The other two flights will be operated on the international Rome-Barcelona route with an A-320neo. Flight AZ074 departs Fiumicino on 28 May at 09:00, arriving in Barcelona at 10:50, and flight AZ077 on the same day, departing at 11:40 and arriving in Fiumicino at 13:25. 

The airline will develop and integrate a series of extraordinary activities in coordination with all departments on all flights, in addition to the usual operational procedures. With a view to efficiency and reducing environmental impact, these activities will concern all flight and ground operations: from route planning and airport handling to flight to specific on-board activities designed to limit CO2 emissions as much as possible. Activities will include: 

Choice of aircraft and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a biofuel produced from various waste materials that can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel; 

More sustainable catering, with attention to supply chain and seasonal produce;

Waste recycling and use of compostable materials instead of single-use plastic; 

Dedicated passenger experience also including a digital newsstand service;

Use of carbon offsets by supporting environmentally friendly projects -natural or social- certified based on accredited and internationally recognized standards.

Sustainability has been one of ITA Airways' strategic pillars since day one. Crucial to the company's Sustainability Plan is the renewal of its fleet: by the end of the Plan, 80% of the fleet will consist of new generation aircraft, consuming 25% less fuel and reducing CO2 emissions.

The Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC) exists to challenge the aviation industry by stimulating and accelerating innovation towards a sustainable future. TSFC was first presented in 2022 by SkyTeam, a leading airline alliance with member carriers around the world. This year’s challenge is scheduled between 15 May–28 May 2023 in which 22 participating airlines will implement their most sustainable solutions and compete for awards in 31 categories. This challenge -including flight and ground operations- is another step in the aviation industry’s path towards a more sustainable future.