Liguria’s regional delegation met with Delta Air Lines in Atlanta to discuss the possibility of a new connection between Genoa and the North American market. Representatives of Genoa Airport joined the meeting at the airline’s headquarters during the second day of the region’s mission to the U.S. state of Georgia. Discussions are still at an early stage, and no new route was announced.
Genoa Airport’s managing director, Francesco D’Amico, said the airport had been in contact with Delta for about two years. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore potential services and their role in bringing more North American visitors to Liguria. D’Amico pointed to recent coverage of Genoa and the region by The New York Times and Lonely Planet as a basis for developing those connections.
Massimiliano Nannini, chief of staff to Liguria’s regional president and head of the delegation, reported strong interest from Delta. He described the effort to reach a commercial agreement as a process that had only just begun.
The delegation also met with representatives of the State of Georgia and the Metro Atlanta Chamber to continue work on a memorandum of understanding between Georgia and Liguria. Discussions covered the subjects to be included in the agreement, particularly the maritime economy, the Port of Savannah and digital technology. Federlogistica also contributed to the meeting. The memorandum has yet to be signed.
Alongside the institutional meetings, the delegation visited organizations that support technology companies and university entrepreneurship. At Tech Square and the Advanced Technology Development Center, which helps startups and technology businesses, representatives explored possible collaborations with Liguria.
A meeting with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Partnership Gwinnett focused on the county’s economy, its international businesses and potential ties with Ligurian companies. Ports, logistics and global supply chains were among the topics discussed, along with advanced manufacturing, water technology, life sciences, startups and tourism.
At Emory University, the delegation visited The Hatchery, the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship incubator. Discussions addressed artificial intelligence, health technology, research and the transfer of research into business applications. One possibility under consideration is a program for startups and innovative companies in 2027.
Agostino Massa, a professor at the University of Genoa, identified research cooperation and student exchanges as potential areas for collaboration. Maria Nives Riggio, deputy general manager of FILSE, said the meetings had also generated interest in Liguria’s support for startups, including the experience of its BIC incubator.
The delegation included representatives of Federlogistica, the Ligurian Sea port system authorities, the University of Genoa, Genoa Airport, Agenzia in Liguria, the Italian Institute of Technology, Liguria International and FILSE.
