The livery of Meridiana successor Air Italy was unveiled in Milan today by investors Qatar Airways and Alisarda.

Shown mocked up on a Boeing 737 Max 8, the livery is notable for its adoption of the maroon colour associated with Qatar's flag carrier.

This reflects how closely the new operation will work with Qatar Airways, notes the Doha-based Oneworld member's chief executive Akbar Al Baker.

Air Italy

Lewis Harper/FlightGlobal

The maroon colour also features heavily in the cabin.

Air Italy will grow to a fleet of 50 aircraft over the next three years, Al Baker says, including 20 737 Max 8s and 20 787s, plus five Airbus A330s. Many of those aircraft will be on lease from Qatar Airways.

Air Italy

Lewis Harper/FlightGlobal

The new operator is firmly aimed at challenging Alitalia's status as Italy's flag carrier, Al Baker adds.

It will expand significantly beyond Meridiana's current domestic and international markets.

Air Italy

Lewis Harper/FlightGlobal

Source: Cirium Dashboard