ITA Airways Fleet Modernization Takes a Severe Hit as A330-900neo Deliveries Are Delayed, Extending the Timeline for Vital Long-Haul Fleet Transition

Published on July 27, 2025

ITA Airways’ long-haul fleet modernization plans have taken a serious blow. There are no engines to power the A330-900neo planes, and the delay in their delivery is now setting back the airline’s grand design of overhauling its fleet. This it represents a setback for the airline as it looks to improve long-haul flying before 2025.

The airline’s fleet currently includes 11 of these state-of-the-art aircraft, with a total of 16 A330-900neos planned for its long-haul operations. However, delays in receiving the remaining five aircraft are throwing a wrench into ITA’s ambitious timeline for fleet renewal, originally slated for completion by the end of 2025.

The airline’s strategy centered on phasing out its older A330-200s, which were inherited from a predecessor carrier, in favor of the more efficient and modern A330-900neo. These new aircraft were expected to replace the A330-200s completely by the close of 2025, but with only 11 of the expected 16 in operation, this plan now faces significant delays. The issue lies in the delay of additional A330-900neos that were supposed to be delivered over the past year, with no new arrivals since July 2024.

Initially, the aircraft deliveries were on track, with ITA Airways receiving one A330-900neo every couple of months, leading to the arrival of the first 11 planes by mid-2024. These aircraft featured new cabin designs, offering a significant upgrade in comfort and service, especially compared to the A330-200s. However, following the last delivery, ITA Airways has been in a holding pattern as the remaining aircraft are still awaiting delivery.

The delay has been attributed to difficulties with engine supply. ITA’s A330-900neo fleet is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and production slowdowns at Rolls-Royce have caused a backlog, preventing the timely delivery of the necessary engines. Photos circulating online show two A330-900neos in ITA Airways’ signature livery but without engines, indicating that the planes are ready for delivery but awaiting engine installation before they can undergo the final test flights and be delivered.

Once the engines are installed, the aircraft will need to undergo a series of rigorous test flights before being handed over to ITA Airways. This means that it is unlikely the airline will receive the remaining five aircraft by the end of 2025, as originally planned, with the delay extending well beyond the initial delivery schedule.
The airline has continued to assign its existing A330-900neos to key long-haul routes, which include destinations across North America, South America, and Asia.
However, some of these destinations will see temporary suspension during the Winter 2025-2026 season. For example, flights to Boston and Washington will be paused during the winter months and will not resume until the spring of 2026. Similarly, the Chicago and Toronto routes will remain suspended until late March 2026.

This modern cabin design offers a far more luxurious experience than the older A330-200s, which had fewer amenities and a less competitive onboard product. The shift to A330-900neo aircraft plays a crucial role in ITA Airways’ efforts to modernize its fleet and provide an upgraded travel experience for its passengers.

In line with ITA Airways’ longstanding tradition of honoring Italian sports figures, each of the 11 A330-900neo aircraft is named after an iconic athlete from Italy’s rich sports history. These names include celebrated figures such as Gelindo Bordin, Marco Tardelli, Lorenzo Bernardi, Gianmarco Pozzecco, and several others. This tradition reinforces the strong connection between the airline and Italy’s sporting heritage.

While the delays in A330-900neo deliveries are frustrating, ITA Airways remains confident about completing the fleet renewal by 2025. The airline is committed to continuing its expansion into international markets while improving the customer experience with modern, efficient aircraft. Although setbacks are inevitable, ITA Airways is determined to meet its long-term goals and enhance its competitive position in the global aviation market.