It is becoming more difficult to distinguish Air Italy and Qatar Airways. Perhaps that is not such a bad thing.
Yesterday, Air Italy launched nonstop service between Milan and Los Angeles. San Francisco starts next week. In celebration of the new service, Air Italy has unveiled new employee uniforms, on-demand dining service, and new tableware, cutlery, and chinaware.
And when you see it, you might think you are suddenly flying Qatar Airways. Qatar, after all, does own a 49% stake in Air Italy and has heavily invested in what it views as a viable and sustainable alternative to Alitalia.
> Read More: Air Italy: Qatar’s Plan to Destroy Alitalia
The new tableware, cutlery, and chinaware is quite attractive and nearly identical to what I experienced when I flew Qatar QSuite Business Class last year. All that’s missing is the little candle.
Offering meal service on demand is also a staple on Qatar Airways. Such service will nicely set Air Italy apart from Alitalia. Alitalia offers an exceptional main meal onboard, but only small snacks and a light pre-arrival meal, even on the 13-hour flight from Rome to LA. That left me hungry (though a FA was kind enough to warm up some fish for me from the initial meal service).
Finally, the new purple uniforms are very similar to what you will find on Qatar Airways.
CONCLUSION
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While I’m not sure such alignment represents the best strategic move in light of the protectionist war drums from U.S. and European carriers, it certainly represents great news for customers. I hope to fly on Air Italy very soon.
What do you think about the greater resemblance to Qatar Airways?
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