ITA Airways launches Self-Supply Fuel Procurement Model at its Fiumicino Hub
The airline becomes the first in Italy to take on the role of "Fuel Trader"
ITA Airways today announced the launch of its new Self-Supply fuel procurement model at its Rome-Fiumicino hub, marking a strategic transformation in the management of its Jet Fuel supply chain — the fuelused for flight operations.
With this initiative, ITA Airways becomes the first airline in Italy to adopt this innovative model, taking on the active role of Fuel Trader and ushering in a paradigm shift in the traditional aviation fuel procurement value chain, with significantimplications for the entire Italian air transport sector.
This recognition, granted by the Italian customs authorities, gives ITA Airways a unique position in Italy in itsrelationships with fuel suppliers, further strengthening the Company's reputation and financial standing.
In this scenario, where access to energy resources is increasingly influenced by global market dynamics andgeopolitical developments, the new model represents a strategically significant step forward, enhancing the Company'sautonomy in fuel procurement and helping ensure operational continuity for its customers, even during periods ofheightened complexity.
The adoption of the Self-Supply model will enable ITA Airways to exercise greater direct control over the entire fuelprocurement process by purchasing—and potentially selling—fuel, including through the industrial synergies currentlybeing developed within the Lufthansa Group. This will generate significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency,flexibility, and fuel procurement cost optimization. The transformation also expands ITA Airways' operational scope,assigning the Company new responsibilities and obligations, including in the areas of taxation and customscompliance.
"The launch of the Self-Supply model represents a historic milestone for ITA Airways and for the Italian aviationindustry", said Joerg Eberhart, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of ITA Airways. "This innovationredefines our role within the aviation fuel value chain, providing us with greater control and enhancing our ability tocreate value in an environment characterized by increasing volatility in energy markets and geopolitical tensionsaffecting fuel availability and pricing. This is the beginning of a gradual journey that will unfold in successive phases,but today it establishes a solid foundation to seize the opportunities of an evolving market and further strengthen ourinternational competitiveness".
With the introduction of the Self-Supply model at its Rome-Fiumicino hub, ITA Airways reaffirms its commitment toinnovation, contributing to the development of Italy's primary aviation hub and further consolidating its position as aleading European carrier.
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency