Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
Today’s selection of images comes from Italy, where ITA Airways has set tails wagging by welcoming the first two large-sized dogs onboard without the requirement of a kennel.
The flight departed from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, carrying the two four-legged passengers – Honey and Moka – who travelled comfortably alongside their owners. Chocolate Labrador Moka was seated in the aircraft’s first row while mixed-breed Honey got comfortable in the last, marking a milestone in pet-friendly travel.
The initiative follows new provisions in onboard pet transportation introduced by ENAC (the Italian Civil Aviation Authority) at the request of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The regulation establishes clear operational and safety standards enabling passengers to fly with their medium and large-sized pets in the cabin.
In June 2024, ITA Airways became the first airline in Italy to expand onboard space dedicated to pets by 25% across national routes, raising the pet weight limit from 8kg to 10kg.
To mark the demonstration flight, ITA Airways welcomed a distinguished delegation onboard, including Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo and Enac Chairman Pierluigi Di Palma. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to making air travel more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all passengers – whether on two legs or four.
“We are truly proud to have carried out this demonstration flight, which places the airline at the forefront among European carriers, thanks to the commitment of ITA Airways and its people, whom I would like to thank for always being at the forefront of innovation in the aviation sector,” said ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo.
“This initiative is not just a new commercial opportunity or an operational change, but a true cultural revolution that puts respect, care and inclusivity at the centre. We will continue working to define the operational conditions necessary to progressively introduce the chance of buying tickets for pets exceeding the current weight and size limits.
“Thanks to the collaboration with Institutions and ENAC, we can make travel a better experience for everyone – both people and animals.”
“Today we have demonstrated how the Italian Civil Aviation Authority is at the forefront both in terms of air transport and of civilisation,” added ENAC Chairman Pierluigi Di Palma.
“Allowing pets to fly alongside their owners instead of in the cargo hold, recognising them as full members of the family in line with the revision of Article 9 of the Italian Constitution, represents a cultural shift even before a regulatory one. This is done fully respecting safety requirements and the well-being of all passengers.
“Tomorrow, at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, I will present the ENAC Guidelines together with the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi and the CEO of ITA Airways Joerg Eberhart. The path ENAC has taken will become an international example to ensure that the entire aviation world truly becomes pet friendly.”
Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) Chairman Vincenzo Nunziata commented: “We welcome this new initiative by ENAC in collaboration with ITA Airways, a real breakthrough long awaited by millions of travellers who wish to bring their pets with them onboard, as for many they are part of the family.
“ADR is pet friendly. At Rome Fiumicino Airport we have four dedicated Pet Areas to make the wait easier for our four-legged friends. Then, since last May, we have opened our Dog Relais, the first facility of its kind in Italy and among the very first in Europe within an airport, dedicated to the stay and wellbeing of pets.” ✈
