In December 2025 and April 2026, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank closed for ITA Airways, Italy’s reference carrier, its inaugural aircraft Finance Lease transaction. The deal is for two A-330/900neo airplanes, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. These planes immediately joined the airline’s operating fleet.

The transaction provides ITA Airways with an innovative solution to bolster its financial position and accelerate its growth path. By adding the latest generation of efficient A-330neo aircraft, the airline continuesits fleet modernization in pursuit of its ambitious sustainability goals. Featuring Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and advanced aerodynamic innovations, the A-330neo aircraft delivers up to a 25% reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the end of March 2026, ITA Airways’ fleet has 106 aircraft with an average age of 6.2 years, 74% of the aircraft are new generation. Under its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, ITA Airways aims to transit to an almost entirely new-generation and eco-friendly fleet. By reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 25%, the airline is positioned to have the greenest fleet in Europe.

The French lease financing, involving a structure, was arranged by Crédit Agricole CIB which acts as global arranger and coordinator, facility agent, security trustee and lender, together with Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC), as debt arranger and lender in this transaction. Crédit Agricole CIB and CIC are reference financiers with an extensive track record in aviation finance.

The financial markets are showing significant interest in such transactions, as next-generation aircraft are in high demand for their fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduced carbon footprint.