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« Last post by Jona L. on Yesterday at 12:42:44 AM »
Rome, September 21st, 1952
Compagnie Aeree d'Italia, Italy's largest airline opens a new page in the books of history with the introduction of the first jet powered aircraft into scheduled services in Italy. The airline already made headlines when ordering the aircraft of the type 'C102 Jetliner' from the -as yet- unknown aircraft manufacturer 'Avro Canada', which had only produced military aircraft so far.
"The aircraft will offer substantial improvements in travel times, service and comfort; first on key routes within Italy and soon also on our services to core destinations around Europe", says Jona L., founder and CEO of the flag carrier. He continued: "We are already seeing improvements in speed by 1/3rd compared to our main aircraft, the 'Martin 2-0-2' and as much as half on our supplementary aircraft, the 'Curtiss Wright C-46'. This makes us a preferred carrier especially for business travelers, who can now cross Italy after breakfast and be back home by supper, rather than having to endure overnight flights. Additionally the 'C102' will introduce business class for the first time on our Milano based flights, further increasing the service and comfort, especially for our wealthier clientele."
When asked if this speed was too fast, he replied: "I believe this is by far not the end of line, we will see travel times reduce much further in the future as technology progresses. We welcome it as a much needed boost to the Italian post-war economy and look forward to a prosperous future of our country and our company."
The new service will launch with a celebratory reception on September 29th, 1952. Several high level officials have been invited to Milano Linate airport, alongside with local dignitaries and senior company officials. Rumors about possible corruption between the company and its invitees have been denied by all parties, when concerns about reports on the environmental impact and noise pollution were raised. These reports have been heavily redacted by local and federal officials before being released.
After the early morning reception and christening, the aircraft will immediately take up scheduled services between Milano's Linate airport and Catania Fontanarossa. It is planned that upon return only 5 hours and 15 minutes later it will perform a low fly-by presentation for the invited guests and the expected crowds of onlookers.
Compagnie Aeree d'Italia has announced that further services will be launched from Milano as soon as further aircraft are being completed and delivered from Canada. Avro Canada is ramping up production speeds expecting to deliver up to 3 brand new aircraft to Italy each month. Further routes will be announced by the company in due course but for now are being kept confidential. Our reporter heard rumors that Palermo could be a potential destination for the C102 but company CEO Jona L. declined to comment citing trade secrets.
On a side note, press officer I. Llusione of Compagnie Aeree d'Italia mentioned that since June 1952 the company also started offering business class out of its primary hub at Rome's Fiumicino airport. The service is offered on the recently developed and newly delivered Convair CV-440 piston powered airliner. Current destinations with business class service are focusing on European Capitals, including Brussels, Bucharest, Copenhagen, London, Madrid and Warsaw. "These destinations were previously out of reach of our aircraft and we are very happy to finally be able to serve these beautiful cities and economic centers. As Convair delivers further aircraft to us, we will strongly expand our European network. Unfortunately that means that the introduction of domestic business class services has to be delayed until early next year, when we will take delivery of the brand new Vickers Viscount turboprop aircraft" says I. Llusione of the plans for the immediate future of the company. He added that "the new turboprop aircraft will also offer reductions in travel times on domestic and international destinations, although not as much as the brilliant new jet aircraft."
Many new developments are happening and on the horizon for our flag carrier, Compagnie Aeree d'Italia. We will continue to follow their enormous success and report on any further newsworthy events.
Adding last words to the press conference, CEO and founder Jona L. wished "all travelers a pleasant stay on board our aircraft and our pilots all times happy landings." We can only join in these wishes.