Alitalia and Etihad Airways have been named as official airlines for Expo 2015 in Milan.
Expo 2015 will be held in the Italian city from May 1 to Ocober 31 next year when an estimated 7.6 million are expected to fly to Milan for the event.
Etihad last month agreed a deal to buy a 49% stake in Alitalia as part of the Abu Dhabi carrier’s “equity partnership” strategy of acquiring minority shareholdings in other airlines.
As part of the deal for Expo 2015, Alitalia and Etiahd have committed to offering around 100 flights per day to and from Milan during the six-month showcase.
Gabriele Del Torchio, Alitalia’s CEO, said: “Expo 2015 will be a remarkable opportunity for Italy. We could not miss being part of it, and we are very proud that Alitalia and Etihad Airways have been jointly chosen as the Official Global Airline Carriers.
“The choice reaffirms Alitalia’s important and strategic role as an infrastructural asset in Italy’s development and its commitment to travel and tourism.”
Etihad said it planned to promote Expo 2015 globally with a focus on “key markets across the Gulf region, Australia, Asia, and the subcontinent”.