ITA Airways retired its last Irish-registered Airbus A330-200 on 1 January 2026, marking the end of legacy long-haul aircraft inherited from Alitalia.
Aircraft EI-EJH (msn 1135), named Marco Pantani, operated its final service as ITY615 from Boston to Rome Fiumicino, completing the 7h29m flight at 06:50 local time. The A330-200 was the final long-haul aircraft from the defunct Alitalia fleet to remain in ITA service.
EI-EJH has notable historical significance, having transported the late Pope Francis to Edmonton International Airport in July 2022.
According to Planespotters.net, the aircraft is expected to be re-registered as PR-AII and enter service with Azul Airlines under a lease from Elevate Capital Partners.
Following the retirement, ITA Airways’ long-haul fleet now comprises only next-generation widebodies 12 Airbus A330-900neos and six Airbus A350-900s. Under its 2026–2030 Business Plan approved in July 2025, the airline plans to add one new long-haul aircraft per year from 2026, supporting new intercontinental routes from Rome Fiumicino to destinations across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa.
Image Credit: Creative Commons- Khoshhat
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 1 January 2026 All Rights Reserved