In a significant move towards enhancing Italy's transport efficiency, the Fit-Cisl organized a conference titled “Trasporto aereo e ferroviario – Strategie per un sistema integrato e competitivo” on March 19, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel of Fiumicino Airport. The event gathered key stakeholders from both the air and rail sectors, aiming to explore the integration of these modes of transport for a more sustainable and competitive future.
Actively participating in the conference were prominent figures including Edoardo Rixi, Vice Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; Pierluigi Di Palma, President of ENAC; Mario Baccini, Mayor of Fiumicino; Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of the FS Group; Joerg Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways; and Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma. Each brought vital perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the transport sector. Rixi emphasized, "We must ensure a uniform system between airplanes and trains to remain competitive."
The discussion focused on several critical issues, including the pressing need for collaboration between the rail and air sectors. One notable highlight was the revelation that foreign carriers dominate 87% of Italy's transport market, leaving domestic operators with only 13%. Professor Ugo Arrigo elaborated on this disparity, noting the challenges that Italian companies face against low-cost competitors.
Meanwhile, Mayor Baccini called for an integrated planning approach to mobility issues in Fiumicino. He stated, "It's essential that we find a synergistic approach to enhance the quality of services and reduce environmental impact." In particular, he proposed initiating studies to tackle mobility problems tied to the city's extensive infrastructure and to address growing noise pollution.
The vision for a more integrated transport system is exemplified by the FS Group’s ambitious plans to make rail the primary mode of transport to airports. Already, 26 Italian airports are connected to the rail network or are accessible via intermodal solutions, like buses. For instance, the Leonardo Express, which connects Rome's Termini station to Fiumicino Airport, facilitates travel with 126 daily services, catering to approximately 350,000 passengers each month. Donnarumma stated, "The aging railway system needs long-term modernization," pointing to a clear need for investment in infrastructure.
New projects are on the horizon as well. Plans include an approximately 8 km railway connection between Venice's Marco Polo Airport and the Venice-Trieste railway line, alongside enhancements in other cities like Bergamo, Olbia, Brindisi, and Trapani. In Bergamo, a new railway station will shorten travel time to Orio al Serio Airport to just 10 minutes. This focused effort exemplifies FS Group’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency in transport.
Marco Troncone also highlighted the growth at Fiumicino International Airport, expecting passenger numbers to reach approximately 53 million by the end of the year. He explained that this increase in footfall reflects the hub’s exceptional connectivity and quality traffic. In response to the dynamic developments in air travel, Rixi urged that modernizing the railway network must be a priority, allowing new infrastructure to flourish across the nation.
Throughout the conference, participants reiterated the point that there is no competition between rail and air travel, but rather an opportunity for collaboration that could significantly improve mobility. As the discussions concluded, Daniela Fumarola, General Secretary of Cisl, remarked on the necessity for a harmonized approach to transport systems, stating, “To amplify development processes, quality work must be guaranteed.”
As the FS Group pushes forward, aiming for a more integrated European transport network, the collective insights generated at this conference may lay the foundation for a future where sustainable and efficient transport is within reach for all. By harmonizing air and rail networks, Italy could position itself as a leader in modern mobility solutions, addressing not only the demands of today but also paving the way for environmental sustainability.
