Ryanair has launched its first connecting flights, as it trials whether or not to offer network-wide connections.

From today, the low fares airline now has connecting flights through Rome Fiumicino Airport (otherwise known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport).

Customers can book connecting flights for 10 initial routes operating to and from Rome, including Alicante, Barcelona, Bari, Brussels, Catania, Comiso, Malta and Palermo.

Pope Francis boards an Alitalia Airbus A321 for Amman, Jordan, at Leonardo da Vinci international airport in Rome, Italy, in May 2014. Picture by: Vandeville Eric/ABACA/PA Images

Checked-in baggage will be transferred directly through to the next flight to the final destination, with the passenger receiving one booking reference for both flight bookings.

The trial initiative is part of year four of Ryanair's 'Always Getting Better' programme. The airline has confirmed more connecting flights services will be rolled out across its entire network later this year as long as the Rome Fiumicino connections prove to be a success.

Chief commercial officer David O'Brien revealed:

"We are also continuing our discussions with Aer Lingus and Norwegian – and other potential partners – with a view to launching connections with third party airlines later this year.”