After operating for 74 years, Italy’s flag carrier Alitalia will no longer offer its services as it has been shut down for good after profound financial problems, especially provoked by the COVID-19 situation. Alitalia’s flight from Italy’s capital to Cagliari marked the final flight of this flag carrier, while from now on, the same will be replaced by Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA).

The president of ITA Airways, Alfredo Altavilla, said: “We have been born as a new Italian brand, and we have chosen to work only with Italian companies.” During the last 20 years, Alitalia has cost the country nearly €13 billion. The spread of the Coronavirus and its new strains provoked a devastating situation for the company.

Due to the difficult situation caused by the virus, ITA will employ only 2,800 of its staff, while a large number of people are facing unemployment. Authorities in Italy have confirmed that ITA will be owned by the country’s government. The airline plans to start with 52 jets, while the number of aircraft will increase to 105 by the end of 2025.

Initially, ITA will offer its services to 44 destinations, increasing to 75 by 2025. Alitalia recently was suffering a profound financial crisis, especially after the spread of the Coronavirus.

Earlier this year, the Commission of the European Union approved a total of €73.02 million aid for Alitalia to help the airline recover from COVID-19 damages, after confirming that such a decision was in accordance with the EU State aid rules.