Welcome to my trip report on ITA Airways Part 2!
My ride: EI-HLD
I decided not to explore the city and spend the few hours at this airport to catch up with some work and also to explore the airport, checking out what this airport offers. I haven't been to the primary airport (MXP) but for this trip, I will be stopping over with a very slim chance of being able to disembark at that airport (BCN-MXP-SIN on SQ's flight) so that probably means I need to make another trip to Milan to visit both MXP airport and the city.
Flying on this route with ITA Airways, you do not have to worry about aircraft swap as the route is dedicated to the Airbus A220-100 so if you are looking to fly on this aircraft, I recommend flying to LCY from LIN. The airline still has the Airbus A319 (Similar capacity to the A220-300) probably because some of the A220 are grounded due to the engine issue and I believe once that is sorted out, the A319 will be retired.
Without further ado, let's begin this trip report!
About Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Similar to London City Airport, Milan Linate Airport is a secondary airport in Milan, located in the heart of the city and is considered to be one of the busiest airports in Italy. This airport started operation in 1937 and is a main hub for ITA Airways. With a single runway (17/35) in operation and smaller capacity airport compared to Milan (MXP) airport, there are airlines from other parts of Europe flies to this airport while for international airlines from other continents would fly to MXP airport instead.
The layout of the airport (Photo: Airportguide.com)
During my time at LIN Airport
The view outside the airport
Gloomy weather greeted me when I arrived.
Dropping point for both cars and buses.
Milano Linate Airport
The interior of the airport
This is the departure hall (landside).
Departure hall (landside)
Check-in desks
The terminal may have limited facilities but for a regional airport, I find it to be adequate.
Charging ports are available on some benches.
ITA Airways check-in desks
There is a food court on the second level.
The view of the departure hall.
No prize for guessing which airline dominates this airport.
After passing through security, we have to pass through the duty free shops to made our way to the gates.
I picked up a couple of snacks from Hudson.
This is one of the sitting areas at the departure hall (airside).
The main concourse of the departure hall (airside).
There are bars located at this side of the terminal and please do not drink beyond your limit to avoid trouble.
There are a good number of retail shops to check out.
This way to gates A and B
It was peak period during my time at the airport.
Human traffic was quite heavy at that time.
Somehow the interior of this part of the airport reminds me of the airports in the U.S.
In case anyone is wondering, airport wifi is available.
These gates are located at the ground floor which means passengers are required to take a bus which will transport them to the aeroplane.
This gate was assigned to my flight.
This aircraft, EI-HLD was scheduled to operate my flight.
My ride: EI-HLD
I boarded the aircraft from the rear this time round.
What do you think of different patterns spotted on the tail of the aircraft? I think ITA's livery has to be one of the best out there.
Airbus A220-100 (CS100)
Name of aircraft: Sara Anaznello W
Delivered in October 2024
Engines: 2 X PW1521G
Configuration: CY125
MSN: 50079
Age: 7 Months Old
Built in Montreal Mirabel (YMX)
Photo: Christian Schurmann
Flight Route: LIN-LCY
Miles: 595
My seat: 22D shift to 26F (Thanks to the crew)
Date of departure: 26th February 2025
Airline: ITA Airways
Flight: AZ220
Route: LIN-LCY
Aircraft: Airbus A220-100
Registration: EI-HLD
Seat: 22D shifted to 26F
Gate: B27
Load: 80%
Schedule Departure: 1735
Boarding: 1654 (By bus to the aircraft)
Engine Start Up: 1730
Take Off: 1743
Flight Time: 1 hr 33 mins
Actual Flight Time: 1 hr 33 mins
Schedule Arrival: 1830
Actual Arrival: 1815
Departure Runway: 35
Departure Weather: Clear
Arrival Runway: 27
Arrival Weather: Partially Cloudy
My inflight experience
The weather during the departure time had improved a lot with those bad clouds gone and it was nice to be able to depart in the golden light. This time we were assigned a bus which took us to our aircraft which was parked fairly far away from the terminal and I was happy to be able to fly on a different A220. I boarded the aircraft from the rear and made my way to my aisle seat with the crew greeting us at the rear door. The cabin crew working at the rear was friendly and seeing that she was in a good mood as her friend was on board (it was quite obvious), I asked her whether I could switch to a window seat as the last few rows were vacant. Luck was on my side as she gave me the green light and yes, I was able to capture the sunset view during take off. However, like the previous aircraft, the window was dirty!
Once the engines were started, announcement from the flight deck was heard and we were on our way. We had a bit of turbulence during our climb and for most parts of the journey, the flight was smooth. The best thing about this flight? I had the whole row to myself thanks to the crew for allowing me to change seat. This makes the flight more enjoyable and for this aircraft, the inflight WiFi was working. In addition, the crew had the mood lighting turned on and that makes the cabin even more cosy and maybe some might find it romantic.
Inflight snack and beverage was served and it was nice landing at LCY airport, by then it was dark. Overall I enjoyed the A220 rides very much and would certainly recommend anyone to give this aircraft a try.
Cabin of the A220-100
While this aircraft interior is identical to the aircraft I flew on my previous flight, there were a few noticable differences between this flight and the previous flight such as the mood lighting and the availability of the inflight wifi.
This was my first experience on board an aircraft with the green mood lighting, usually it is either white or blue during the boarding or alighting process.
Initially I was seated at this aisle seat and with the improved weather, I knew I had to get myself into a window seat if possible.
While making my way to my seat, I managed to snap some photos of the cabin and this shows you how it is like on this 2-3 configuration.
The 2-seater is my preference for solo travelling.
The golden light was shining on this side of the aircraft.
The window seat on the left is fully reclined and this is how much space the passenger gets. (Below)
The cabin view from my original seat.
The cabin view from my window seat.
This is the last few rows of the cabin.
A few other passengers managed to move to these vacant seats.
Fortunately for me, I had the whole row to myself.
The green and blue mood lighting matches very well.
An overview of the A220-100 cabin with the mood lighting. Airbus has offered a larger cabin compartment for the existing and potential A220 customers and Air Canada will be the first to have the enhanced cabin.
Legroom space at my original seat.
ITA's Safran Z400 seat
Instructions to indicate the safety vest's location and to fasten your seatbelt at all times.
The charging speed was alright.
The headrest
I was pleased with my new assigned seat.
The window on the other hand was disappointing but I take it!
A successful A220 joyride trip! :)
The view of the last row
Sunset was taking place at this time.
One last look at my seat before disembarking the aircraft.
Lavatory
It is certainly spacious.
Inflight Entertainment (Online streaming)
Unfortunately there isn't much content on the airline's webpage.
Only the flight's information interest me.
You have to pay to use the wifi and that includes messaging.
Volare is the airline's frequent flyer program.
At this time, the airline had started the process to leave the Skyteam Alliance.
Will ITA operates its own dedicated fleet of freighters in the near future? It is a possibility but for now the airline uses its current fleet to transport cargo within the network.
Inflight Snack and Beverage
This time I had a cup of water to wash down the chocolate snack. Perhaps a non sweet snack option should be offered.
Window view photos (Take off to Landing)
The weather was much better at this point as we pushed back with the sunset taking place around the same time.
We started our taxi to runway 35.
It took about 10 minutes to reach the runway.
Off we go, goodbye Milan!
Rolling down the runway in this beautiful weather.
The view of LIN Airport in sight.
Unfortunately the dirty window ruins the view.
Soon we reached our assigned flight level and it was clear skies all the way.
I like flying in the evening, you get to enjoy the last light of the day.
Flying over the snowy mountains.
By the time we were near London, it became quite dark.
At this point we were on final approach into LCY's runway 27.
Last few seconds to enjoy the A220 ride.
We touched down smoothly at LCY airport.
Passing by the terminal building and for this flight we parked somewhere in the middle.
As tow trucks are not used at this airport, the pilots would position the aircraft facing the direction of the taxiway before parking. This makes it easy for the pilots to taxi the aircraft out onto the taxiway upon departure.
Here is our parking position. Our aircraft would rest for a while before departing for Rome and that would be the last flight for the day for this aircraft.
Thanks for the ride, EI-HLD!
My Airbus A220 Adventure has not end yet as my next couple of flights, I flew on Air France's Airbus A220-300 from London Heathrow to Barcelona with a stopover at Paris CDG Airport. Trip reports coming up soon.
My Flight Summary
Welcome back to London City Airport!
The walk from the airside to landside took less than 10 minutes and that includes the automated immigration clearance.
At this time, it was very quiet at the airport as most passenger departing at that time were at the airside.
Time to head back to my accommodation.
I took the DLR train back to my accommodation.
This is the East India neighbourhood.
O2 Stadium spotted from my accommodation.
Hope you enjoyed my ITA Airways Flying Adventure!
My rating
Airline Website/Mobile App: 3.5/5
Airport Experience (LIN): 3.5/5
Inflight Service: 4/5
Seat Comfort: 4/5
Inflight Entertainment: 3/5 (Online streaming)
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Condition of the aircraft : 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
InFlight Meal/Beverage: 4/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 41/50
Percentage: 82%
Conclusion
I find ITA Airways intriguing because of the beautiful livery and it is one of the airlines I had in my mind for quite a while. In addition, the airline operates a rare aircraft type, Airbus A220 which is lacking of its presence in my part of the world (Singapore) so booking my flights with this airline was an easy decision. Just like any other airlines including the low cost carriers, you have to pay for what you need, from the lowest tier to the highest tier, but at least this airline offers better seats, the availability of wifi and usb charging ports and complimentary snack and beverage. I find the seat to be quite nice and comfortable and I am glad the airline didn't go for all blue for the seat interior.
For the flights to London City Airport, the full service airlines operate to this airport and that may make the airfare more expensive than flying on low cost carriers to the other airports such as Gatwick and Luton airports. However, for the convenient location of London City Airport and full service you get on these airlines including ITA, I think it is worth the extra cost.
Overall, I recommend this airline to fly to Italy whether you are flying to the primary or secondary airports, I thought the airline offers decent products and also snacks and beverages are complimentary on these short flights. Furthermore, they will be absorbed into the Star Alliance in 2026 and you are able to earn or redeem miles with any of the partners from the alliance once they are officially part of the alliance.
Do note: If you are frequent flyer member of one of the Skyteam Alliance members and like to earn miles with this airline, unfortunately you can't do so anymore as the airline has officially left the Sky Team alliance on 20th May 2025.
For the Part 1 of my ITA Airways Trip Report (LCY-LIN), click here
Thanks for reading!
Charles
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