Tecnam to create regional airline using P2012 piston twins for Italian connectivity
Airframer proposes new carrier flying P2012 commuter-configured piston-twin through Altair subsidiary. Italian airframer Tecnam has proposed the creation of a new regional airline under its ownership to foster regional air mobility (RAM) services within the southern European country. Tecnam detailed the company's plans at an event to mark the inauguration of a new terminal at Rome Urbe airport – a small facility founded as the city's first airport in 1928 – on 8 July. The RAM initiative is being spearheaded by Italy's civil aviation regulator ENAC and its infrastructure unit ENAC Servizi with the goal of creating "a flexible, widespread national network that improves regional connectivity and expands access to mobility", it says. Commercial RAM services will begin from Rome Urbe later this year, connecting to airports including Rome Fiumicino, Pescara, Fano, Elba and Tortoli-Arbatax using aircraft with 9-19 seats. ENAC says three companies have so far expressed interest in operating these routes, including SkyAlps, AvioItaliana and Altair – the latter a Tecnam subsidiary that has previously specialised in maintenance services. But, speaking at the event, Tecnam chief executive Paulo Pascale said it was now looking to branch out: "Among its future objectives is the launch of a regional airline. It currently operates a helicopter and, regulations permitting, will soon operate with our P2012 Traveller aircraft." The P2012 is a piston-twin that can accommodate nine passengers in a commuter configuration. ENAC Servizi is also in the process of renovating Tecnam's home base at Capua airport near Naples, adding a new runway and terminal; it will later become part of the RAM network, serving the Campania region. "ENAC Servizi is contributing to this vision through the enhancement of a network of territorial airports designed to become effective platforms for regional connectivity, innovation and technological development," says director Marco Trombetti. "In this framework, Capua airport plays a key role as one of the infrastructures enabling this new mobility model."