ROME -- Italian Insider’s Lorenzo Sorbini speaks to Italy Sales Manager Maurizio Santocori about Kuwait Airways’ bright future.

 I.I: On the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic ties between Italy and Kuwait, what is your opinion on commercial relations between the two countries?

 M.S: My opinion can only be a positive one. There have been numerous initiatives both commercial and promotional which the countries have organised together.  For the Kuwaiti people Italy is an opportunity to be immersed in history and fashion. And for Italians Kuwait represents a different culture and a flourishing economy which is constantly growing.

 I.I: Kuwait Airways is the only airline offering direct flights in codeshare with Alitalia. How important is this partnership?

 M.S: Kuwait Airways, being the flagship Kuwaiti company, is the only company currently offering a direct service to Kuwait city and the codesharing agreement with Alitalia is a practical example of the excellent relationship between the two countries.

 I.I: According to the report Enit 2015, there are more than 10,000 Kuwaiti tourists per year in Italy, a number that is constantly grow- ing. How much of this is the result of collaboration between Kuwait Airways and the Italian government?

 M.S: The consistently growing presence of Kuwaiti citizens in Italy is obviously a result of the excellent relations between the two countries. Kuwaitis feel truly at ease in Italy where they can find incredible food, sought-after “Made in Italy” clothing and incomparableplaces of cultural interest.

 I.I: As the peninsular country is such a profitable destination mainly for tourism, shopping and culture, are you going to extend and strengthen your presence on the territory?

 M.S: Currently Kuwait Airways links Kuwait and Rome with four flights per week.  In our medium- term plans and with the acquisi- tion of new aircraft we are pre- dicting an expansion to daily flights from Rome and additional links withMilan.

 I.I: Did the recent economic and political Italian vicissitudes influence the partnership betweenItaly and Kuwait?

 M.S: The recent political and economic vicissitudes have absolutely not affected the excellent relationship between the two nations and Kuwait Airways has continues to operate regularly and has even seen an increase in passenger numbers.

 I.I: On December 2013 Kuwait Airways made a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 25 new aircraft and the hiring of another 12 becoming one of the major leaders in the Middle East. Are you satisfied or is the “finish line” still far away?

 M.S: As far as the investments of the company are concerned, we can’t not be satisfied. Kuwait Airways is a historic brand in the world of aviation and has always made small but well-judged steps forward. Now the time has come to take a leap forward in terms of quality with this agreement with Airbus making us a leading airline in the Middle East region.

 ch-ls