Alitalia and Etihad Airways celebrated the opening of their joint pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Silvano Cassano, Chief Executive Officer of Alitalia, and James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways and Vice Chairman of Alitalia.

The airlines are Official Global Carriers of Expo Milano 2015, which takes place under the theme of ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life' until 31 October. A total of 20 million visitors are expected to attend from across the world over the six-month period, with Alitalia and Etihad Airways' pavilion serving as a highlight of the Expo experience.

Silvano Cassano, CEO of Alitalia, said, "As Official Global Carriers of Expo Milano 2015, Alitalia and Etihad Airways have been focused on increasing awareness of the event and encouraging large-scale participation from across the world. Public interest in the Expo has been constantly growing and as a result, we have experienced significant demand on domestic flights within Italy, as well as key markets in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The opening of our pavilion today marks another important step in our support of Expo Milano 2015 and we are delighted to showcase the many exciting features that we will offer to attendees."

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways and Vice Chairman of Alitalia, said, "The combined networks of Etihad Airways and Alitalia offer unmatched travel connections into Italy, making us the smartest option to bring the world to Expo Milano 2015, so that the mission of this important event is successfully achieved. In addition, as Official Global Carriers, we are able to actively promote the event worldwide and provide visitors with a pavilion experience that is memorable, entertaining and educational, in line with the Expo theme."

Alitalia and Etihad Airways' two- storey pavilion has a prime location next to Palazzo Italia and measures 1,150 square metres. The ground floor is open to all visitors and includes a Social Hub, which provides a multimedia experience around the theme of ‘Connecting the World Journey', using cutting-edge technology and large interactive screens.

Another highlight of the ground floor is the Imagination Lounge, where several daily cooking demonstrations will be conducted by celebrity chefs, including Italy's Gabriele Rubini, famously known as Chef Rubio, and the UAE's Chef Khulood Atiq. Both are successful chefs, best-selling authors and television stars, with a loyal following in their home countries and abroad. Chef Khulood is also an Emirati culinary consultant for Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
Source: WAM