The new service represents an important launch pad for the further development of trade and tourism, the airline said.

Italy is one of Cyprus’ main trading partners, and according to figures issued by the Italian Statistics Institute Istat, trade between the two countries, encouraged by common interests in the Mediterranean, continued to grow in 2015, with Italian exports standing at €263 million and imports at €32 million.

“Today Cyprus and Italy are closer than ever before, thanks to the new Alitalia direct flight to Rome. I am sure that this new service will foster important benefits in terms of economical, trade and cultural exchanges, as well as increasing tourism between the two countries,” said Lorna Dalziel, Senior Vice President Global Sales of Alitalia.

There will be two Rome-Larnaca flights a week, scheduled to ensure connections at Alitalia’s Fiumicino hub to 89 destinations in Italy and Europe, the Middle and Far East, North Africa, Asia and the Americas, including Santiago, Mexico City (from 16 June) and Beijing (from 18 July). Passengers will also be able to take advantage of the new Transit Team, which will provide assistance to accompany them quickly to the departure gate for their connecting flight, the airline said.

Flights to Larnaca will depart from Rome Fiumicino every Wednesday and Saturday at 22:35, arriving at 02:40 (local time) the following day, while Alitalia aircraft will take off from Larnaca on Thursdays and Sundays at 04:50 (local time), arriving in Rome at 07:15. The service will be operated with Airbus A320 aircraft featuring two classes of service, Business and Economy. Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty programme members will be able to earn and redeem miles on these new flights.

Tickets for the new flights may be purchased online at Alitalia.com or via travel agencies.

Source: Cyprus Mail