Franchising extended to Italian domestic market

British Airways has added start-up carrier National Jet Italia to its franchise family, taking British Airways flights into the Italian domestic market for the first time.

NJI, British Airways 11th franchisee, will start flying from Rome to Palermo in Sicily four times daily from July 11, 2000, rising to eight times daily, and from Rome to Catania in Sicily four times daily soon afterwards (also rising to eight). It intends also to look at establishing other domestic routes to key Italian cities from Rome.

David Noyes, British Airways’ Director of Alliances, Franchises and Subsidiaries, said: "We welcome NJI to the British Airways Franchise family. Through our franchise partners we are successfully developing the British Airways network and in this regard Palermo and Catania are welcome additions."

Under the franchise agreement, NJI aircraft will operate in British Airways’ colours offering a two-class European service style consistent with that offered on international flights. NJI customers will also enjoy all the benefits that come with a global alliance, through oneworld, and the British Airways Executive Club scheme.

Palermo will be served with two-class BAe 146 aircraft with 12 seats in Club Europe and 82 seats in Euro Traveller. It is the first time that a separate business cabin will be offered from Rome to Palermo and Catania.