What Happened to Alitalia’s Boeing 747 Fleet?

by Matt Falcus
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Alitalia was the national airline of Italy for 74 years and became one of the great world airlines.

During that time it flew many important aircraft types, both large and small, including a fleet of classic Boeing 747s.

But what happened to them? We investigate…

 

A History of Alitalia

Alitalia, Italy’s flagship airline, was founded on September 16, 1946, and launched its first flight in 1947—a Fiat G.12 flying from Turin to Catania. With its elegant branding and extensive network, Alitalia became a symbol of Italian style and efficiency, growing to serve destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

In the 1960s and 70s, Alitalia thrived as a global carrier, benefiting from Italy’s economic boom and establishing itself as a key player in the transatlantic market. Iconic aircraft like the Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 747 adorned its fleet, supporting its rise to prominence. However, financial mismanagement and increasing competition in the deregulated European aviation market began to take a toll in the 1990s.

Despite restructuring efforts and partnerships, including its 2009 relaunch as “Alitalia – Compagnia Aerea Italiana,” the airline struggled with mounting debts. It was placed under extraordinary administration in 2017 but failed to attract sustainable investment.

Alitalia ceased operations on October 15, 2021, replaced by ITA Airways, a leaner state-backed carrier with ambitions to succeed where its predecessor faltered. Though Alitalia is no more, its legacy as a pioneer of Italian aviation endures.

 

 

Alitalia’s Boeing 747 Fleet

Pedro Aragão, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

Alitalia flew a number of long-haul aircraft over the years, like the Douglas DC-6, DC-8, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and MD-11.

In 1970, it became an early adopter of the Boeing 747, taking delivery of some 21 examples in total.

The first two aircraft were 747-100 examples, the 36th and 56th off the production line. They were introduced on some key international services, like Rome to New York, and ushered in a new era for the Italian carrier.

From 1971, Alitalia took delivery of a fleet of 19 Boeing 747-200B models, which offered some advantages of the early variants.

These were delivered through the 1980s, allowing the airline to increase its international services, with some aircraft leased in during the 1990s to supplement the fleet.

Some of its Boeing 747s were freighter variants, used by Alitalia’s cargo division.

 

What Happened to Alitalia’s Boeing 747s?

Alitalia Cargo Boeing 747-200F 742F I-DEMR. Photo (c)

Alitalia continued to operate the Boeing 747 until 2002, however many examples in its fleet had been sold on much earlier.

The original 747-100 models were sold in 1976 and 1981.

The rest of the fleet had left by 2002, with many examples going on to other operators – particularly for cargo use.

Today, only one former Alitalia 747 is thought to still be flying.

 

Here’s a full Alitalia Boeing 747 fleet list, with fates:

I-DEMA, 747-143, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 2002.

I-DEMB, 747-243B, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 2002.

I-DEMC, 747-243BSF, sold to Air Bridge Cargo. Scrapped 2010.

I-DEMD, 747-243BSF, sold to Atlas Air. Scrapped 2009.

I-DEME, 747-143, sold to Aer Lingus. Scrapped 2007.

I-DEMF, 747-243BSF, sold to Atlas Air. Scrapped 2011.

I-DEMG, 747-243B, scrapped 2003.

I-DEML, 747-243B, scrapped 2003.

I-DEMN, 747-243B, scrapped 2003.

I-DEMO, 747-243B, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 1996.

I-DEMP, 747-243B, scrapped 2003.

ER-BAR of Sky Cargo is the only former Alitalia 747 still flying today. Photo (c)

I-DEMR, 747-243BSF, sold to Air Bridge Cargo. Active as ER-BAR with FlyPro.

I-DEMS, 747-243B, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 2007.

I-DEMT, 747-243BSF, sold to Atlas Air. Scrapped 2012.

I-DEMU, 747-243B, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 2008.

I-DEMV, 747-243B, sold to Boeing. Scrapped 2007.

I-DEMW, 747-243B(SF), sold to Atlas Air. Scrapped 2012.

I-DEMX, 747-230B, leased from Lufthansa 1992-1994. Scrapped 2017.

I-DEMY, 747-230B, bought from Lufthansa 1990. Scrapped 2003.

 

Did Alitalia Fly the 747-400?

Artist’s impression of an Alitalia Boeing 747-400.

Even though it had a good association with the Boeing 747, Alitalia never flew the later 747-400 variant.

However, the airline did actually order the -400, seeing it as a natural replacement for its older models.

Ten were ordered in 2000, but this was later cancelled with the unfinished jets going on to be bought by Virgin Atlantic.

Interestingly Alitalia did lease one Boeing 747-400F freighter from Atlas Air between 2000-2002.

 

Do you remember seeing Alitalita’s Boeing 747s? Did you ever fly on one? Leave a comment below!

 

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1 comment

MERV CROWE February 3, 2025 - 7:30 am

When I worked at Melbourne airport 1974-1996, I remember the ALITALIA 747s very well , however have never flown with them. DC-10s were also operated as well before they ceased flying to Australia many years ago.

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