Travel across Italy is set to transform thanks to a new partnership that will integrate air travel with the nation’s high speed rail network. Olivia Palamountain reports

Global airline alliance SkyTeam and Trenitalia, Italy’s leading rail operator, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate high-speed rail services with air travel.

The partnership, announced at the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam, aims to provide customers with a wider choice of destinations and more flexible travel options throughout Italy.

The collaboration will enable travellers to book combined air and rail itineraries in a single reservation, utilising Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecciarossa train network.

This intermodal approach will allow for seamless connections between international flights and domestic train journeys.

SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux says: “We are delighted to join forces with Trenitalia as our second non-airline partner, strengthening SkyTeam’s intermodal travel strategy by offering more high-quality, high-speed rail connections – supporting our mission to future-proof travel.”

The alliance will benefit both leisure and business travellers, offering enhanced connectivity to 150 destinations across Italy through over 270 daily Frecciarossa connections.

Key cities served by SkyTeam member airlines with Frecciarossa links include Rome, Milan, Turin, Venice, and Florence, among others.

Mario Alovisi, Trenitalia Marketing Director and CEO of Italia Loyalty, says: “Partnering with SkyTeam takes Trenitalia closer to our vision of being one of the leading players in the European rail transportation market, offering customers high-quality, reliable train travel that complements international flight schedules.”

The partnership also brings advantages for frequent travellers. SkyTeam loyalty programme members will be able to earn and redeem miles on eligible Frecciarossa journeys, while Trenitalia’s CartaFRECCIA members will enjoy similar benefits on SkyTeam flights.

Additionally, elite members of both programmes will have access to SkyPriority services at participating railway stations.

This initiative aligns with SkyTeam’s commitment to more integrated, seamless, and sustainable travel.

Trenitalia’s focus on intermodality and sustainability, including direct connections to 23 Italian airports, complements SkyTeam’s vision for the future of travel.

As the partnership develops, travellers can look forward to a more connected and flexible way of exploring Italy, combining the speed and comfort of air travel with the convenience and scenic routes of high-speed rail.