ITA Airways to become Star Alliance member by 2026

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ITA Airways to become Star Alliance member by 2026

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Mr. Retta Melaku Chief Operating Officer | Ethiopian Airlines

By Sky Industry News

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways is on track to join the Star Alliance network, with full membership anticipated by early 2026, according to Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias. He remarked: "In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide."

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the development: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network."

Upon integration, ITA Airways will contribute 360 daily flights to the Alliance. This addition is expected to bolster the Alliance's presence especially in Rome and Milan, currently served by 16 other Star Alliance members.

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The integration process sees Lufthansa Group mentoring ITA Airways, as explained by Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group: “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio.”

Once ITA Airways is fully integrated, the Star Alliance network will comprise 26 member airlines and offer over 18,000 daily flights across 192 countries.

Star Alliance, founded in 1997, offers a global network of airlines focusing on customer service and interconnected journeys. ITA Airways, part of the Lufthansa Group, seeks to provide high-quality connectivity between Italy and international destinations, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and innovation.