The Italian aviation market continues to provide headlines as it was announced on Monday that Sardinian-based carrier Meridiana would be rebranded as Air Italy with fleet expansion plans and a base at Milan Malpensa. The announcement confirms months of speculation that a shake-up of the operation was imminent after Qatar Airways acquired a 49 percent stake of Meridiana’s, now Air Italy’s, parent company, AQA Holding in September 2017.

At the time of the acquisition, Qatar Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker proclaimed that with his airline’s assistance Air Italy would grow its domestic and international network extensively. “Qatar Airways is known the world over as the best airline in the world, as voted for in Skytrax 2017,” said Mr. Al-Baker. “It is with this ambition and dedication to the passenger experience that we will work together to build a sustainable airline alternative for the people of Italy and global travellers to and from this beautiful country.