Air Italy becomes first European airline to introduce non-binary gender option on bookings

The airline now offers a third gender option, X, for passengers who do not wish to define themselves as male or female

Air Italy is the first airline in Europe to implement and make available a non-binary gender option for passengers booking flights. Starting from today, customers will be able to select M (male), F (female) or X (other), to correspond with gender-neutral passports that are issued by some States.

Last year, the International Air Transport Association, which represent most of the largest airlines, approved changes to booking procedures to include non-binary gender options. Air Italy is the first European airline to adopt this new set of best-practice standards for carriers.

Air Italy has also added Mx to its online dropdown menu of titles for those who do not wish to define themselves with binary gender options and is working with Arcigay on other inclusivity initiatives.

“Air Italy is determined to lead the industry in inclusivity, and we are so proud to be the first European airline to offer these inclusive booking options for our customers,” said Rossen Dimitrov, Air Italy Chief Operating Officer.

“Air Italy’s brand tagline is – Imagine the world differently. Within this is a vision that embraces every manifestation of freedom, inclusion, the acceptance of diversity and striving for progress. Our introduction of non-binary options on our website is, therefore, another demonstration of these important values.”

Gabriele Piazzoni, General Secretary of Arcigay said: “We are proud to cooperate with Air Italy, the first carrier in Italy to decide to make its airline inclusive and its aircraft welcoming places for all people. The decision of a first-tier airline like Air Italy to invest resources and time to focus on inclusivity is a positive example that we hope is followed by others. The civil progress of a country depends not only on its laws but also by the way in which the private sector puts in place anti-discrimination initiatives that take into consideration the many differences that exist.“