The Lufthansa Group has officially announced the integration of ITA Airways into its operations, following the acquisition of a 41% stake in the Italian airline. This move marks a significant shift for ITA Airways as it begins transitioning from the SkyTeam alliance to join Star Alliance, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.
Lufthansa Group’s CEO, Carsten Sphor, emphasized the swift integration process, stating that both ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group passengers would benefit from an expanded network. “We are also confident that ITA Airways will realize a profit as early as this year,” Sphor noted.
As part of this transition, members of Lufthansa’s Miles & More loyalty program can now earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights. Similarly, members of ITA’s Volare program can do so on flights operated by other group carriers such as Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.
The European Commission (EC) reviewed the acquisition and considered Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and joint venture partners like Air Canada and United Airlines as a single entity for long-haul flights to and from Italy. Starting March 30, ITA Airways flights will be added to Lufthansa’s schedule, offering over 100 codeshare destinations.
SkyTeam confirmed that ITA Airways’ exit would be finalized by April 30. The transition is being coordinated to ensure minimal disruption. The collaboration between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Cargo is also set to intensify with new freight offers available soon.
The acquisition deal was finalized on January 17 after overcoming objections from the EC and negotiations with Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. This strategic move allows both airlines to enhance their services while expanding their global reach.
