After 17 years of absence, Italian national carrier, Alitalia has resumed flight operations between Rome and Johannesburg, South Africa.

The inaugural flight touched down in O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg Monday morning having taken off from Rome Fiumicino Airport Sunday night.

The four-weekly service will be operated using an Airbus A330-200 with three classes including business class, premium economy class and economy class.

Flight AZ848 will depart Rome on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays while Flight AZ849 will depart Johannesburg on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Alitalia last served Johannesburg in March 2001, with Milan -Johannesburg and Rome-Johannesburg services.