Italian Airline, Air One, Lands in the U.S.

CHICAGO and BOSTON , June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- American travelers can start packing their bags for the trip of a lifetime. This week, Air One, Italy's No. 1 private airline, will launch its first intercontinental flights between the U.S. and Italy . The airline will fly from Boston Logan and Chicago O'Hare directly to Milan Malpensa, the fashion and financial heart of Italy , and connect to some of Northern Italy's top destinations: elegant Turin , romantic Verona, luxurious Lake Como and the magnificent Alps. Travelers who book now at www.flyairone.com or by calling the toll-free 24/7 hotline 888-9-FLY-AIR1 can purchase economy round trip tickets for as low as $799 (all taxes and fees included) for a limited time.

On board, passengers will be immersed in an authentic "made in Italy " experience, thanks to Italian cuisine by Chicago Chef, Phil Stefani , and in-flight entertainment featuring Italian films. Also included are top-notch amenities that guarantee maximum relaxation. Air One's carriers boast fuel-efficient and low-emissions engines -- making it the ideal airline for eco-conscious travelers and keeping fares reasonably priced.

Bringing Travelers to Italy and Beyond

The inaugural flight to Chicago will arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on Thursday, June 26 , and will operate daily, excluding Wednesdays. Air One's service to Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) will begin Friday, June 27 ; the Boston - Milan connection will fly daily, excluding Tuesday and Thursday. Air One's intercontinental connections will operate as codeshares with United Airlines, allowing passengers who fly these routes to accumulate points for United's Mileage Plus and Lufthansa's Miles & More frequent-flyer programs.

Travelers who arrive in Milan from the U.S. can continue to several destinations within the Air One network on convenient connecting flights: Naples , Palermo, Rome Fiumicino and Lamezia Terme in Italy ; and to Brussels and Athens , Berlin and Thessaloniki in Western Europe . Additionally, Air One passengers have the option to continue from Milano Malpensa with codeshare-partner carriers to Warsaw (on LOT flights), Riga and Vilnius (on Air Baltic flights), Lisbon and Oporto (on TAP flights), and Malta (on Air Malta flights).

One of the Youngest Fleets in Europe

The new flights operate on two Airbus A330-200 aircraft that hold 279 passengers, including 22 in Business Class. Boasting the latest aircraft features and technology, Air One's A330 planes are equipped with engines with a low environmental impact, certified according to the most recent CAEP 6 standard, which also ensure savings in fuel consumption and provide lower CO2 emissions. Air One is committed to top-quality service and ongoing expansion. At the end of 2008, the fleet will comprise nearly 60 aircraft, and by 2012 Air One will have one of the youngest fleets in Europe .

To find out more or book a flight, travelers can visit flyairone.com. Through the end of August, Air One will also offer 101 free roundtrip tickets to Italy from both Boston and Chicago . The airline is also offering a special companion roundtrip fare of $799, including taxes and fees.

Air One, Italy's No. 1 private carrier

Air One was established in November 1995 when the company began to operate scheduled flights on the Roma Fiumicino-Milano Linate line, the fifth largest in Europe in terms of traffic volume. For the first time, the monopoly held by Alitalia on this route was broken. Over the last several years, Air One has asserted itself as the top private airline company in Italy ; in 2007, it surpassed 37 percent of the domestic market share, transporting over 7.5 million passengers and recording revenues of about 750 million Euros. With more than 3,400 employees (including those working at the subsidiary companies) Air One provides flights for 21 domestic, 10 international, and two intercontinental destinations.

CONTACT: Emma Douglas , 312-240-2730

SOURCE Air One