Innovazione

🛫 Telepass customers now have priority access at Milan airports, specifically Linate and Malpensa T1, through the Fast Track service. This free feature allows them to bypass security checks via a dedicated lane by showing their boarding pass and Telepass Fast Track QR code. Aldo Agostinelli, chief consumer sales and marketing officer, highlights the service as part of a seamless, digital travel experience. Plus customers and Base customers until December 31, 2024, can request up to 5 Fast Tracks in the app.

💸 Revolut payment services launch at Milan Malpensa Airport, offering automatic dispensers at T1 and T2 for passengers to obtain Revolut debit cards at no cost. The Visa-compatible cards can be used in 200 countries and over 100 million merchants worldwide. Travelers can link the card to the Revolut app, create an account in minutes, and new clients get €10 cashback on their first transaction. Ignacio Zunzunegui, head of growth Southern Europe at Revolut, aims to make Revolut the top banking app for their 2 million Italian customers.

✈ Wizz Air's app is now available on Huawei's AppGallery, enabling Huawei device owners to book flights and check in with ease. Remus Moraru, Wizz Air's head of e-commerce, states the expansion onto Huawei AppGallery will provide users easy access to a range of convenient features including seamless flight booking, real-time updates, and exclusive discounts, thereby enhancing the travel experience and extending the airline's digital presence.

🏆 Telepass customers now have access to a new priority and free fast track security service at Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, thanks to a deal with Aeroporti di Roma. Telepass Plus customers benefit for free, while base customers get up to 5 free fast tracks until the end of the year. The service will soon expand to other Italian airports.

✈ Volotea, an airline recognized by Skytrax, aims to enhance customer experience through digital innovation, AI, and onboard comfort, led by Chief Experience Officer Alex de Jesús. The fleet of 44 A319-A320 aircraft features reclining seats, spacious cabins, onboard entertainment via wifi, and the play.volotea.com portal. The company analyzes passenger feedback weekly and conducts market research to adapt to changing customer needs. Recent initiatives include joining Enac's 'One click away' project for easier booking of onboard assistance and airport services, improving their app and website for user-friendliness, and integrating AI with Smart Coaching and a chatbot for call center staff training and support.

🥃 Florentis, the first artisanal Tuscan whisky, was recently created in Florence by Winestillery, located in the Chianti Classico region, and distributed by Velier. The brand offers two varieties: Vin Santo Wine Cask and Super Tuscan Wine Cask, the latter featuring 48.3% alcohol by volume, unchilled-filtered and uncolored. As of now, 5,000 bottles have been bottled, with plans to launch in France and the USA in September. Enrico Chioccioli Altadonna, a second-generation family member with a long winemaking tradition, spearheads the distillery using an alambicco named Bacco, produced by Frilli, and exclusively Italian grains with native yeasts for fermentation. The distillery also offers gin, vermouth, bitter, and vodka, defined by the local terroir. Tours, guided tastings, and masterclasses are available by appointment, with prices ranging from 35 to 160 euros. A new urban distillery in central Florence is projected to open within the year, focusing on whisky production and educational spaces.

💵 De’ Longhi SpA reported revenues of €1,423.7 million in H1 2024, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA rose to €204.7 million (14.4% of revenues), up from 12.4% in H1 2023. Net profit grew by 28.4% to €106.2 million, with a positive free cash flow of €74.3 million before dividends and extraordinary operations. Q2 2024 revenue was €764.9 million, an 11% increase, and adjusted EBITDA was €110.9 million, 14.5% of revenues. La Marzocco's consolidation contributed €86.8 million to H1 revenues. Net financial position stood at €305.3 million post-acquisition, and the company invested €60 million in H1, consistent with the previous year's €58 million.

📖 "Essential AI in the Language Classroom" is a free course for teachers held on October 9 and 21, organized by C.L.A.S.S. and Trinity ViaggiStudio. Starting in March 2024, it has engaged thousands of Italian teachers, focusing on AI's role in teaching languages and practical strategies for integrating AI into lessons. The course includes five online workshops and a lab for creating learning units. Participants will receive certificates recognized for educational credits by the SOFIA platform of the Ministry of Education. Additionally, on September 25, a related event, "The New Frontiers of English Education," will take place at the University of Rome Tre.

🏖️ Takyon, an Italian startup, partners with Club del Sole to introduce resale of non-refundable bookings as NFTs. Antonio Picozzi, CEO of Takyon, aims to provide a wider audience with the benefits of their solution, emphasizing flexibility for families with children. Angelo E. Cartelli, General Manager of Club del Sole, highlights the shared focus on innovation and flexibility in their 'Full Life Holidays' model. Customers can resell bookings directly on Takyon's platform, enhancing the vacation planning experience.

🏖️ Italian startup Takyon partners with Club del Sole to transform non-refundable bookings into resalable NFTs, enhancing flexibility for customers who can resell their bookings directly on Takyon's platform. CEO Antonio Picozzi sees this as an opportunity to cater to families with children, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of family travel. General Manager Angelo E. Cartelli emphasizes the shared vision for innovation and flexibility, aligning with Club del Sole's 'Full Life Holidays' concept.