The azure waters of the Amalfi Coast and the historic streets of Rome just became more accessible for Canadian travelers. Air Canada and Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways have inked a comprehensive codeshare agreement that dramatically expands travel options between the two countries, creating seamless connections across their respective networks.
The partnership, which takes effect immediately, allows Air Canada to place its code on ITA Airways’ flights connecting Rome Fiumicino Airport with 12 Italian destinations, including tourist favorites Venice, Florence, and Naples. Simultaneously, ITA Airways gains access to Air Canada’s extensive domestic network, placing its code on flights to Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Vancouver, and Edmonton.
“This partnership represents a significant enhancement of our transatlantic service offerings,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada. “By combining our networks, we’re providing Canadians with unprecedented access to Italy’s most cherished destinations while strengthening our position in a key European market.”
The timing couldn’t be better as travel demand between North America and Europe continues its robust post-pandemic recovery. According to recent International Air Transport Association data, North Atlantic routes have surpassed 2019 traffic levels by nearly 7%, with leisure travel leading the resurgence.
For business travelers, the agreement introduces enhanced options for corporate accounts, with unified frequent flyer benefits across both carriers. Members of Air Canada’s Aeroplan program can now earn and redeem points on ITA Airways flights, extending loyalty benefits throughout the expanded network.
“This codeshare partnership strengthens our CO24 Business position in connecting two significant markets,” noted Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer at ITA Airways. “It’s particularly valuable for Italian businesses with Canadian interests and vice versa.”
The agreement arrives as CO24 Sports reports increasing travel demand from Canadian sports enthusiasts heading to Italy for international competitions, including next year’s Winter Olympics preparations in Milan-Cortina and various European football tournaments.
Beyond the codeshare, both airlines have committed to exploring deeper cooperation in cargo operations and potentially coordinating schedules to maximize connection efficiency—moves that industry analysts view as potentially leading toward more comprehensive alliance activities.
For travelers, the immediate benefit lies in simplified bookings. A single reservation can now cover multi-city Italian itineraries with connections handled seamlessly between carriers, eliminating the need to book separate tickets and recheck luggage at connection points.
The CO24 Breaking News team has learned that promotional fares celebrating the new partnership will be announced in the coming weeks, potentially offering significant savings for summer travel to Italy—traditionally one of the most competitive and expensive European destinations from Canadian gateways.
As borders continue reopening and travel restrictions ease globally, strategic airline partnerships like this one signal a return to the interconnected world that existed pre-pandemic, but with renewed focus on passenger convenience and operational efficiency. For Canadians dreaming of Italian getaways, the path just became considerably smoother.
