I just flew an Italian airline between France and Germany.
Air Dolomiti is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa based in Verona, Italy. It operates many flights on behalf of Lufthansa to/from Munich. Unlike many of Lufthansa’s other regional partners, the carrier maintains its own identity through distinct livery, crew uniforms, seat covers, and crockery.
Although Air Dolomiti flies almost exclusively to Northern Italy, I found myself on an Air Dolomiti-operated flight from Nice to Munich last week. That’s technically (I think?) a Seventh Freedom flight, since the flight did not continue to Italy (which would have made it a Fifth Freedom flight). Flying from France to Germany on an Italian airline was a bit of a novelty, but what was really the novelty was the onboard amenities. Upon boarding, I was presented with a bottle of water, amenity kit, and moist towelette. An amenity kit on a flight of less than one hour? That’s something new.
Looking at the seatbacks, it appeared that wi-fi would be available onboard, but it turned out to be more like an intranet system, with streaming videos plus games and destination info. That appears to be a work in progress.
Service also shined (very friendly FAs) and I loved the plates that breakfast was served on. Breakfast itself was tasty as well, with meat, cheese, and hot bread.
This is still an airline with economy class seating in business class: don’t expect a lie-flat bed. Even so, it’s a cut above many of its competitors.
CONCLUSION
I will post a full review, but was quite impressed with the service onboard this short flight to Munich. While airlines like Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines offer “real” business class seats on flights within Europe, I’d say Air Dolomiti offers a better product than most European competitors.
While at one time it would have been a “freedom” flight, it is not any longer as there are no restrictions on EU airlines flying within the EU. They can do whatever the heck they want as far as I know.
Wouldn’t most of Ryanair and easyJet’s flight then be seventh freedom?
True. The large majority of Ryanair’s flights do not touch Ireland and a significant number of easyJet’s flights don’t touch the UK. Plus Norwegian’s registrations have little to do with where they fly.
For those wanting to get an understanding of the freedoms of the air (all 9 of them), I’d recommend viewing this:
I flew Air Dolomiti between FRA and FLR a couple of years ago. No complaints, except late arrival at FRA. Sounds like you got a better meal and amenities though.
I absolutely adore Air Dolomiti. It is a very special airline… something about the 2-2 seating and green leather just sets such a mood, combined with the FA outfits. It feels like a Wes Anderson airline. Considering most flights are ~1 hr., the snacks are delicious and beyond adequate. I remember all drinks being served in proper glass, even in economy. The crew was attentive, with refills being given throughout the flight and even into the decent. I would go out of my way to fly on Air Dolomiti as opposed to Lufthansa Regional for sure.