ITA Airways has announced plans to temporarily serve its Rome Fiumicino-London Heathrow route with the carrier’s new A321neo.

The aircraft will operate daily flights on the route between 1 December and the end of January, departing Rome at 1400 and arriving into Heathrow at 1630, before returning at 1700 and landing back into the Italian capital at 2100.

ITA’s A321neo is configured in three classes, with 12 business class seats offering a fully flat bed, a further 12 premium economy seats, and 141 economy seats (12 of which are designated as Comfort Economy).

In addition to Heathrow the aircraft will also operate thrice daily flights between Rome and Paris CDG during the busy festive period between 22 December and 9 January.

The airline had originally intended to roster the A321neo on its Rome-Tel Aviv route from the start of December, but said that “in light of the current geopolitical situation, it became necessary to find an alternative use for the new aircraft”.

Other features of the aircraft include interiors by Italian designer Walter de Silva, 17.3-inch IFE screen in business class (15.6 inches in premium economy and 13.3 inches in economy), larger overhead bins thanks to Airbus’ Airspace cabins, wifi connectivity, and cabin lighting with six settings.

ITA Airways is gradually taking delivery of new Airbus A350, A220, A320neo, A321neo and A330-900 aircraft, earlier this month announced plans to roster the A220 onto flights between London City and Milan Linate.

ITA Airways to add fourth daily London City-Milan Linate service

ita-airways.com