Business Aviation Flight Operations In Italy

The aviation industry in Italy experienced a significant decline in passenger numbers traveling within Europe, dropping from 160.67 million in 2019 to 40.34 million in 2020. Despite this, Italy’s diverse range of airlines, which include scheduled, charter, and cargo services, continues to operate under the regulation of the national aviation authority. The country hosts 44 airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel, including to major islands such as Sicily and Sardinia. The aviation sector is crucial to Italy’s economy, supporting jobs and contributing significantly to the GDP. To further enhance air connectivity and capacity, Italy is implementing the National Airspace Strategy. Looking ahead, the number of departing passengers from Italy is projected to increase by 32% over the next 20 years, indicating a positive outlook for the aviation sector.

Italy’s Top International Airports for Flight Operations

These airports has as major hubs for international and domestic flights, connecting Italy with numerous destinations around the world:

• Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (IATA: FCO, ICAO: LIRF)
• Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP, ICAO: LIMC)
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (IATA: VCE, ICAO: LIPZ)
• Milan Linate Airport (IATA: LIN, ICAO: LIML)
• Naples International Airport (IATA: NAP, ICAO: LIRN)

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (IATA: FCO, ICAO: LIRF) Flight Operations

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is equipped with modern and efficient infrastructure to handle a large volume of passengers and flights. Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has three operational runways: Runway 07/25, which is 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) long with an asphalt surface; Runway 16R/34L, which is 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) long with an asphalt surface; and Runway 16L/34R, also 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) long with an asphalt surface. Additionally, the airport has a taxiway system that includes Taxiway “D,” previously Runway 16C/34C, which has as a backup for Runway 16L/34R or as an extra taxiway.

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has multiple terminals, each catering to different flight types and destinations: Terminal 1 handles domestic and Schengen flights, Terminal 3 manages international flights, and Terminal 5 is currently not in use as it undergoes refurbishment. Connectivity between the terminals is facilitated by pedestrian walkways and shuttle buses, ensuring easy transfer for passengers. The terminals are equipped with a range of facilities, including check-in desks, security checkpoints, and boarding gates, to accommodate travelers’ needs.

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) has a wide range of general services, including check-in services, seating areas, dining options, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, accessibility services, luggage services, information desks, family facilities, lost and found services, medical aid, and lounges. Family-friendly services include play areas, family toilets, restaurants with children’s menus, and special parking designed for female travelers, particularly new and expectant mothers. Accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms ensure a convenient experience for all travelers.

Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA: MXP, ICAO: LIMC) Flight Operations

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is a key international airport in Italy, as a gateway to the Lombardy region and beyond. Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) has two main runways: Runway 17L/35R and Runway 17R/35L, both 3,920 meters (12,861 feet) in length with asphalt surfaces. The airport also features a comprehensive taxiway system that facilitates the movement of aircraft between runways, aprons, and terminals.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1, divided into three levels with arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the first floor, and a mezzanine level featuring shops, restaurants, and lounges; and Terminal 2, which is smaller, primarily serving low-cost airlines with a more limited range of facilities. A free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, running every 7-15 minutes depending on the time of day. Both terminals are equipped with a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, and a pharmacy.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) has a variety of general services, including check-in services, seating areas, dining options, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, accessibility services, luggage services, information desks, family facilities, lost and found services, medical aid, and lounges. Family-friendly services include play areas, family toilets, and special parking designed for female travelers, particularly new and expectant mothers. Accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms ensure a convenient experience for all travelers. The airport’s infrastructure is designed to have a seamless and efficient experience for passengers and airlines, with a strong focus on modernization and customer service.

Slot coordination for Italian International Airports

The slot coordination process is designed to be transparent, fair, and efficient, ensuring that all carriers have equal access to Italy’s airport infrastructure while meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of available capacity. It’s important for carriers to stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements as they can change periodically.

Applications for slots at Italian airports should align with the scheduling seasons defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), typically divided into summer and winter seasons. Carriers must request a slot from the coordinator using the IATA standard message SCR (Slot Clearance Request/Reply), as outlined in the IATA’s “Standard Schedules Information Manual” (SSIM). Requests are sent to the national slot coordinator, managed by a designated association responsible for slot allocation at coordinated and facilitated airports in Italy.

To request slots at Italian airports, carriers need to submit a completed SCR (Slot Clearance Request/Reply) form, detailing the requested slots, aircraft type, and route information. Additionally, supporting documents must be provided, including the airline license, certificate of airworthiness, insurance certificates, and any other documents required by the national coordinator or European regulations.

Special Requirements for Non-Scheduled Business Flights

• Landing Permits: Non-scheduled commercial flights by non-EU-registered aircraft require landing permits. This includes air taxi flights, which refer to operations transporting passengers under a single charter contract for the entire capacity of an aircraft with no more than 19 passenger seats.
• Annual Charter Permits: For air taxi flights, only annual charter permits are available, and these cover the operator’s entire fleet specified on the EASA TCO.
• Documentation for Permits: Operators must submit specific documentation to the Italian Air Transport Development Division and apply for accreditation to EASA TCO and to ENAC.
• Use-it-or-lose-it Rule: Compliance with the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule is verified by calculating the slot usage percentage (80%) to be used for historical rights recognition.

To ensure all your slot coordination processes are completed on time and to prevent delays, our team at Just Aviation consistently monitors EASA TCO processes and presents you with official procedures promptly and comprehensively.

Overflight Permits in Italy’s International Operations

Navigating Italy’s international airspace demands meticulous attention to overflight permits, particularly for non-EASA member state aircraft. Foreign-registered aircraft must meet ICAO Annex 8 airworthiness standards to secure approval. Overflight permissions are granted by ENAC, contingent upon compliance with its regulations, which vary depending on the aircraft category. While homebuilt and historical aircraft from ECAC member states enjoy up to 28 days of overflight rights without prior authorization, those from non-EASA member states require specific clearance from ENAC, limited to 28 continuous days. Operators must inform ENAC three working days before entering Italian airspace, emphasizing the significance of product certification and regulatory adherence for a seamless overflight process.

Landing Permits in Italy’s International Operations

Securing landing permits for charter flights in Italy involves navigating a nuanced process. Non-European Union (EU)-registered aircraft must obtain permits for air taxi flights, covering their entire fleet. However, exemptions are granted for EU-registered aircraft with 19 or fewer passenger seats. The processing time for an annual charter landing permit is 20 business days, or 45 business days for operators outside the EU who haven’t landed in the last two IATA seasons. ENAC handles permit processing during weekdays, from 0900-1700 local time. First-time applicants or those who haven’t operated to Italy in the past two seasons must submit specific documentation. Compliance with EU regulations, certification, insurance, and TCO authorizations are critical factors for a successful landing permit application in Italy.

Ground Handling Operations In Italian International Airports

Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” International Airport (FCO) has a comprehensive range of services to meet various aviation needs. This includes passenger services such as ramp and baggage services, load control, communications, and flight operations. Additionally, the airport has cargo and mail services dedicated to handling freight operations. Aircraft cleaning services ensure that planes are maintained to high standards, while de/anti-icing services are available to prevent ice accumulation on aircraft. Station management oversees various airport stations to ensure efficient operations, and general aviation services cater to the needs of private and smaller aircraft operators. Also FCO has comprehensive base and line maintenance services, including engine and APU changes, structural repairs, complex modifications, air turbine tests, borescope inspections, and full engine run-ups.

Similar to FCO, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) has a range of essential services to facilitate efficient aviation operations. Passenger services encompass ramp and baggage handling, load control, communications, and flight operations support. The airport is also specialized in cargo handling and mail processing, and has dedicated opportunities in this regard. Aircraft cleaning services ensure that hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained, while the airport is equipped to handle de-icing and anti-icing requirements to ensure safe aircraft operations during adverse weather conditions. MXP specializes in a full range of aircraft maintenance services, including 24/7 AOG recovery and logistics services. Capabilities include Airbus A320 Family, A330, Boeing 737NG, 777, and 787. Approved for A-Checks on A330 and Base Maintenance on A320 Family.

These airports have the necessary infrastructure and services to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft operations. The maintenance services are crucial for the upkeep of the fleet and compliance with aviation regulations. All international airports in Italy boast a robust capacity for Jet A/A-1 fuel, ensuring readiness for busy or emergency situations. Just Aviation stands ready to meet your fuel supply needs promptly, with access available round-the-clock for uninterrupted flight operations.

Experience comprehensive flight support services for Italian International Airports with Just Aviation. From optimized flight planning and cost-effective fuel services to short-notice permits and ground support, we’ve got you covered. Contact us now for seamless trip planning in South Korea, ensuring a hassle-free experience at Italian International Airports. Trust Just Aviation for top-quality services at competitive prices.