There was a time when flying was an event, and the flight attendants who walked the aisles were the guardians of glamour. Among the distinguished crew of Alitalia, Manuela Imperato carved out a reputation that perfectly captured the essence of the "Flying Italian."

: Most former Alitalia personnel were either integrated into ITA Airways or retired following the airline's financial restructuring and eventual collapse.

Details on the financial reasons behind the failure, including years of losses and political interference, are archived on Financial situation of Alitalia Successor Airline One Mile at a Time

In the era when Manuela served, the selection process for Alitalia was notoriously competitive. Candidates were chosen not only for their aptitude but for their poise and cultural fluency. They were the first Italians many international travelers ever met. Manuela represented a modern Italy—confident, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated. Her role bridged the gap between the industrial boom of the post-war era and the international jet set that flocked to Rome and Milan.

Alitalia’s uniforms were strict. The scarf had to be tied exactly so; the hair had to be immaculate. Imperato was known as the crew member whom supervisors would point to as the gold standard for appearance. She treated the uniform as armor, not a costume.