With its 30 major and 70 minor airfields, Italy is one of the most important European markets for airport and ground support equipment, handling 115 million passengers yearly, an air freight cargo activity of nearly 950,000 tons and air transportation movements totaling over 1,700,000 in 2005.
Most of this activity was concentrated in the ten largest Italian airports, whose passenger traffic amounted to 84 million, split as follows: Rome (Fiumicino and Ciampino), 30,600,000; Milan (Malpensa and Linate), 27,500,000; Venice, 5,900,000; Catania, 5,100,000; Naples, 4,700,000; Palermo, 3,800,000; Bergamo, 3,300,000; Turin, 3,100,000.

With the worldwide crisis of September 11, 2001, the whole scenario of air transportation changed as increased concern was placed on security and safety issues and on improvements in support equipment, management and services.
Security and safety are today on top of the Italian Government investment list and there has been a concentrated effort to improve safety and security products and services. This is the result of a number of laws and directives issued by various entities as a direct consequence of the terrorist attack.

Current changes include:  

• In 2002 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defined the objectives of the various member states in regard to passenger, crew members and land personnel safety. ICAO stresses the need for improved international cooperation and research development in the area of airport security. Member states should also develop a national security plan for the civil aviation.

• The EEC regulation n. 2320 of December 2002, modified by EEC regulation n. 894 of April 2004, issued recommendations in regard to security of airports, aircraft, passengers, hand luggage, cargoes, luggage storage, mail cargo, material and supplies for aircraft cleaning. It also defined the various areas within airport jurisdiction.

• Law n. 166 of August 2002  allowed the ICAO’s recommendations to become part of the Italian legislation.

The market is expected to expand with increased near/medium term investments, both private and public, for airport expansion, upgrading of existing structures and purchase of ground support equipment and systems.
More financing is also expected in the short term in expenditure for security and safety structures and systems. The U.S. industry has a recognized technological leadership in advanced products and quality standards. U.S. manufacturers, engineering and consulting companies have selected opportunities in the market for those specialized sectors where state of the art technology is most needed...(continues)

Please note:

This Industry Sector Profile is also part of the more comprehensive
ITALY COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDE 2006.