Rome, Italy – ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier, has revealed two Airbus A320-family aircraft adorned with special Olympic-themed liveries as part of its role as the Official Airline Sponsor of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The initiative brings the spirit of the Games into the skies, celebrating Italy’s first Winter Olympics in two decades.

The specially designed aircraft honor Italian winter-sports legends: an A320 named after alpine skiing champion Gustav Thöni and an A320 dedicated to Olympic speed skater Enrico Fabris. Both feature dynamic graphics depicting winter-sport disciplines, created by internationally acclaimed Italian illustrator Emiliano Ponzi. The designs aim to merge travel and sport, capturing the energy, determination, and “decisive moments” of athletes.

 

“Travel, like sport, is emotion. Passengers board with a dream and land with a story to tell,” ITA Airways stated, framing the decorated jets as flying ambassadors for the Games.

 

The liveries integrate the airline’s signature tricolour tail, with blue transforming into “sky” to symbolize connection between people, places, and emotions. Visual references to mountains, snow, ice, and suspended athletic jumps convey speed, momentum, and the pursuit of achievement.

 

Promotional Initiatives Extend Beyond the Aircraft

 

As part of the Olympic partnership, ITA Airways introduced SKYWAY, an immersive installation in Milan’s Piazza San Carlo, open until 15 March. Business-class passengers on international flights up to three hours can enjoy a special “Flavours at High Altitude” menu inspired by the Games. This menu is also available at the airline’s Hangar Lounge in Rome Fiumicino and Runway Lounge in Milan Linate.

 

The airline launched a “Destination Milano Cortina 2026” prize competition for eligible travellers in 2025, offering monthly prizes and a grand-prize Olympic experience, strengthening engagement with the host regions and Games.

 

Reinforcing Italy’s National Brand

 

Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership:

 

“Standing alongside Milano Cortina 2026 allows ITA Airways to reaffirm our bond with Italy, with Italian sport and its values—passion, determination, inclusion, and team spirit. These liveries position the airline as a global ambassador for Italian excellence.”

 

The Olympic-themed aircraft come at a pivotal moment as ITA Airways deepens integration with the Lufthansa Group, following the German airline’s minority investment. Aligning the brand with a global sporting event boosts international visibility while emphasizing ITA Airways’ identity as Italy’s national carrier.