Aerolinee Siciliane, a new airline based in Sicily, is poised to make significant strides in improving mobility for residents and visitors of the island. The airline was conceived by Luigi Crispino and aims to address the high cost of air travel to and from Sicily, enhancing accessibility and affordability. The airline plans to operate out of Comiso Airport and initially will use leased Airbus A320 aircraft.

Initial routes will include major Italian cities such as Rome and Milan, with future expansions planned for Bologna, Stuttgart, London, Paris, and Tunis. The launch was originally scheduled for 2020, but commercial operations are now expected to begin in 2025.

Aerolinee Siciliane’s business model is unique in that it incorporates a cooperative structure, allowing passengers to become shareholders. Individuals can buy shares for 2,000 euros, while businesses can invest 10,000 euros. This approach not only democratizes the ownership of the airline but also ensures that ticket prices are kept transparent and affordable. Shareholders and Sicilians will benefit from reduced fares, with a projected average ticket price around 49 euros per flight.

The airline aims to start with two aircraft and expand to a fleet of ten within 30 months. It is expected to create approximately 400 jobs directly and over 600 in related industries, contributing to the local economy by supporting tourism and export of Sicilian products.

Aerolinee Siciliane also plans to offer special rates for students, the elderly, and those requiring medical travel, supported by a solidarity fund that will allocate 50 cents from each ticket sold to assist financially disadvantaged travelers.

Overall, Aerolinee Siciliane represents a significant step towards enhancing connectivity for Sicily, supporting local economic development, and making air travel more accessible for all Sicilians. The airline's cooperative model and commitment to affordability underscore its innovative approach to regional air travel.