This book traces the history of the former Italian flag-carrier and those earlier airlines that were amalgamated by the state to form a single airline, events that were shaped by Italy’s inter-war National Fascist Party that controlled the development of the country’s air transport sector. The state’s control continued after the Second World War which led to much interference and mismanagement, exacerbated by a bloated workforce, powerful unions, failed partnerships and, finally, the Covid-19 pandemic. This eventually led to the demise of Italy’s icon in 2021.

This book traces the history of the former Italian flag-carrier and those earlier airlines that were amalgamated by the state to form a single airline, events that were shaped by Italy’s inter-war National Fascist Party that controlled the development of the country’s air transport sector. The state’s control continued after the Second World War which led to much interference and mismanagement, exacerbated by a bloated workforce, powerful unions, failed partnerships and, finally, the Covid-19 pandemic. This eventually led to the demise of Italy’s icon in 2021.