Lufthansa outlines expansion plans for ITA Airways across key global markets

Sources have disclosed Lufthansa's initial plans for ITA Airways to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. This follows the European Commission's final approval after both companies addressed competition concerns. The strategy for ITA Airways involves strengthening its network in key markets, enhancing the hub-and-spoke model, and reducing unprofitable services in less significant regions.

Africa and South America are identified as crucial areas for expansion within the Lufthansa Group. The airline aims to increase its presence in these markets, where other European carriers like Air France, British Airways, Iberia, and TAP Air Portugal are prominent. Proposed new routes include a service to Bogotá, Colombia, with Rome Fiumicino (FCO) airport as a potential starting point. Additionally, ITA Airways plans to boost summer flights to Brazilian cities beyond its current destinations of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Lufthansa intends to enhance ITA Airways' connections strategy by increasing transit passenger numbers through Rome Fiumicino. This includes leveraging Air Dolomiti, an existing Italian regional subsidiary. An agreement with SkyAlps is also on the table, pending SkyAlps' completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) to meet Lufthansa standards.