MEDIA RELEASE

Alitalia puts on the map: codeshare deal signed with Virgin Australia Benefits also for members of both airlines’ loyalty programmes

Rome, 11 April 2016 – will this month offer air travellers access to Australia following a codeshare deal signed with Virgin Australia. On sale from 15 April 2016, the agreement will allow the Italian airline to widen its international network by placing its two letter “AZ” flight code on flights from Abu Dhabi to Sydney and beyond to . Similarly Virgin Australia will place its two letter “VA” flight code* on Alitalia’s daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Rome and Milan Malpensa to increase its presence in Europe. The new agreement will also bring benefits for members of both airlines’ loyalty programmes.

John Shepley, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, Alitalia said: “There are about one million people in Australia with Italian heritage so we’re hoping that this new agreement will encourage more air travellers, especially friends and relatives, between these two great nations. I can really see more Australian tourists visiting Italy thanks to this agreement and the connection times at Abu Dhabi work well for customers travelling from Australia to Italy. New benefits for members of both carriers’ loyalty programmes will be an added incentive for travel”. Alitalia operates daily flights to the capital city of the United Arab from Rome, using Airbus 330 aircraft and from Milan with a aircraft. Virgin Australia is currently undertaking a refurbishment of its Boeing 777 aircraft which will feature a new cabin from mid-year and operate three times a week between Sydney and Abu Dhabi. Alitalia’s expanded long haul international programme this year will see it start new direct flights from Rome to Santiago in May and Mexico City in June.

*Subject to regulatory approval.

For media information: Alitalia Media T. +39.06-65638950 Email. [email protected]

About Alitalia Alitalia - Società Aerea Italiana (alitalia.com) is Italy’s largest airline and commenced operations on January 1, 2015 after acquiring the operational activities of Alitalia - Compagnia Aerea Italiana, now named CAI. CAI has a 51% controlling stake in Alitalia and the remaining 49% of shares are owned by , the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (Airline of the Year 2016 by the prestigious US-based aviation industry publication Air Transport World). As part of its 2016 summer schedule, Alitalia flies to 97 destinations, including 27 Italian and 70 international destinations, with more than 4,400 weekly flights. Alitalia boasts one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the world. It is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and is part of the Transatlantic Joint Venture alongside -KLM and . Alitalia also collaborates with the other Etihad Airways Partners - airberlin, , , Etihad Airways, Etihad Regional operated by Darwin Airline, and – in order to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.