Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - Beginning from June next year, a new 230-seater Alitalia plane airbus would be in operation to provide safety, comfort and quality onboard services for Ghanaian customers, an official of the airline disclosed on Friday.

The new Boeing 767 is expected to fly five times to Accra a week. Mr Paolo Guidi, General Manager of Alitalia Ghana, disclosed this to journalists when he presented assorted items worth GH¢1,000 to the Osu Children's Home in Accra as part of the company's corporate social responsibility.

The items included toiletries, assorted drinks and biscuits. He said the new management of Alitalia had adopted a three-year development plan that would enable the company to rebuild its brand name and reconsolidate its position in the airline industry.

"The new Alitalia is run by private entrepreneurs who are well versed in quality of service and pay close attention to customers' needs. They are fully aware that these elements are essential for companies to succeed and grow, and this is the case with the new Alitalia," Mr Guidi said.

He said passengers were the focal point of the corporate entity's development strategy and pledged the company's commitment towards providing top quality ground services and onboard services "so that at every travel experience, the customer would remember the distinctive touch of Italian style".

Mr Guidi said the donation to the Osu Home was part of the "Solidarity Area Programme" of the company adding that Alitalia had over the years contributed towards several orphanages worldwide.

"The Alitalia Solidarity Area is a non-profit charitable association, which was set up in 2001 with the aim of helping abandoned and needy children anywhere in the world," he said.

Mr Guidi said the association came into force through the efforts of=

several Alitalia employees, adding that its operations were based on voluntary support by donors who agreed to make contributions towards worthwhile projects.

"The Association gives assistance to reception centres for children in India, Ghana, Malawi, Brazil and other countries to take care of children=

with serious illnesses and special needs." Mrs Sharon Abbey, Manageress of the Osu Children's Home, who receive= d the items on behalf of the children, thanked Alitalia for the kind gestur= e and called on other corporate institutions also to help. She said government alone could not adequately provide the needs of the homes and stressed that other companies had to contribute towards the upk= eep of the home. Mr Robert Sam, Managing Director of Rakes Company Limited, a recruit= ing agent that outsources business for Alitalia Company, commended Mrs Abbey for her motherly love and the spiritual direction she gives to the 250 inmate= s. Currently, Alitalia Company has more than 12,000 staff worldwide of which 15 are Ghanaians. 18 Dec. 09