Eurofly is preparing to launch a scheduled service between Milan and JFK Airport, New York. The company is set to take delivery of a 48-seat A319LR in May and will begin operating the route six times per week from June 2005.

Eurofly’s aim is to corner the segment of the market that it feels is not presently catered for. “We are looking at two subsegments,” said chief commercial officer Armando Brunini, “the types of clients who use private jets throughout Europe but cannot afford transatlantic trips aboard a jet and, of course, those clients travelling on business class flights who are willing to pay a small premium for much better service.

“Not much has been done in Italy for the higher end of the market and, having been inspired by PrivatAir’s operations for Lufthansa, we think there is a space for an all-business class product from Milan to New York, which is the most important intercontinental business traffic flow between Italy and North America.”

The company anticipates that its niche position will offer ‘first class service’ in upper business class configuration and, despite rumours that other operators are looking to enter this segment of the market, believes that the non-stop service will prove popular.

Commenting on the choice of aircraft, executive vp of engineering and maintenance Andrea Zanetto said: “It may be similar in performance and concept to the BBJ but we are an Airbus operator, so we can enjoy all the benefits of having a unique fleet. The BBJ is a good aircraft but the A319LR offers excellent long range capability and Airbus was faster in offering acquisition as early as May 2005.”