The Cranky Flyer’s favourite target – Alitalia – has made a tentative agreement to merge with two other Italian operators Blue Panorama and Wind Jet.
Now those of you scratching your head will probably have never heard of these airlines. There’s probably good reasons for that as Blue Panorama is a charter outfit operating a small fleet of Boeing 767’s, Boeing 757’s and various Boeing 737-classics. WindJet on the other hand operates LCC style services with Airbus A319’s and A320’s.
Alitalia seems happy to merge with these companies stating it is “consistent with the process of continuing consolidation” which appears to be rife at the moment.
In addition this will give Alitalia access to Blue Panorama’s planned purchase of 8 Sukhoi Superjet 100 (with 4 options). This could be interesting as Alitalia have long been mooted as a Superjet customer (however recently, they recently signed for a number of Embraer E-175LR’s). If they choose to keep the Superjet’s, this will be an intresting move – one that will be watched by other European airlines as an option between Embraer and Bombardier for regional flights.
Three words: Worst. Airline. Ever. They lost my baggage, which was never found while I was away. So, no luggage on my trip. Another airline found the bag and called saying that it is in Rome. Trying to get in touch with someone at “customer service” has resulted in NOTHING. Both emailing and calling, no response! Trip over, stewardesses were rude and impatient. Seats uncomfortable. Whole experience was terrible. Three weeks later, still NO BAG and still NO RESPONSE. Do yourself a favor and fly someone else. Hopefully you haven’t already bought your ticket. This is a TERRIBLE company. Subsequently, have heard from lots of other people who had bad experiences with Alitalia. Why are they still in business?? Because they’re cheap. As always, “you get what you pay for.” I fly internationally fairly often — I will never take this airline again.
Blue Panorama is probably the worst airline on earth. They sell you a ticket and then after you pay, they change the route! They lose your luggage and the planes are extremely uncomfortable. Also the food on the plane is hardly edible. Well this makes sense for Alitalia to buy them… One bad airline buying another bad airline… In short never fly Blue Panorama… Also avoid flying through Milan Malpensa as this airport is terrible. The staff are rude and unhelpful plus the airport looks like a giant bus station.