17 January 2025

Lufthansa acquires 41% of ITA Airways

The Italian flag carrier, with main bases in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, becomes part of the Lufthansa Group, becoming the group's fifth network airline

The Lufthansa Group has completed the acquisition of 41% of ITA Airways, formalizing the entry of the Italian flag carrier into the group as the fifth network airline. The transaction, worth 325 million euros, marks a strategic step towards expanding Lufthansa's presence in Italy, now considered a new home market for the group.

The agreement and the next steps

With the signing of the agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Lufthansa, the remaining 59% of ITA Airways initially remains in the hands of the MEF, but acquisition options for the remaining shares are already planned for 2025. The agreement, approved by the European Commission and other competition authorities, was defined after the initial agreement in May 2023.

Livrea degli aeromobili delle Compagnie aeree del Gruppo Lufthansa: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways e Eurowings Copyright © Lufthansa Group

A new hub for Lufthansa

With this acquisition, Italy becomes the second most important international market for Lufthansa, after the United States. Rome Fiumicino, certified Skytrax 5 stars, will be the group's sixth hub and the southernmost, while Milan Linate, strategic for Northern Italy, will play a key role in future operations.

Immediate benefits for customers

Thanks to the partnership, passengers will be able to benefit from integrated loyalty programmes as early as this summer: frequent flyers from ITA Airways and Lufthansa will be able to earn and redeem points in their respective "Flying" and "Miles & More" programmes. Further benefits will follow, such as codeshare agreements, reciprocal lounge access and ITA's entry into Star Alliance.

Compagnie aeree del Gruppo Lufthansa: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways e Eurowings

ITA Airways: growth and renewal

Founded in 2021, ITA Airways operates a modern fleet of 99 aircraft, including Airbus A350-900 and A330-900neo for long-haul flights. The airline serves approximately 70 global destinations with main hubs in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. In 2024, ITA carried 18 million passengers.

New leadership for ITA Airways

To guide the transition and integration, a new leadership structure has been defined:

Joerg Eberhart has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors.
Lorenza Maggio will be the Chief Strategy and Integration Officer (CSIO), responsible for strategic development.
Michael Trestl, who comes from Austrian Airlines, will be responsible for global integration as ITA Implementation Officer.

First meeting of the new Board of Directors of ITA Airways

The new Board of Directors of ITA Airways also met today and appointed Sandro Pappalardo as Chairman and Joerg Eberhart as Chief Executive Officer. The Company, now more solid, is ready to face new challenges in a very competitive market, especially at a domestic level. Italy is a strategic market of great importance, representing the fourth European market for air traffic.

Sandro Pappalardo Presidente e Joerg Eberhart Amministratore Delegato di ITA Airways

Sandro Pappalardo Chairman and Joerg Eberhart Chief Executive Officer of ITA Airways © ITA Airways

Il nuovo Consiglio di Amministrazione di ITA Airways

The collaboration with the Lufthansa Group will allow ITA Airways to expand its global presence, leveraging the Group's international leadership while enhancing the Fiumicino hub. The integration will ensure a better connection between Italy, Europe and the rest of the world, offering a premium service that combines Lufthansa's high global standards with ITA Airways' Made in Italy experience and style.

The alliance strengthens the Group's position as the world's fourth largest aircraft operator, creating significant operational and commercial synergies, as well as supporting a shared commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. A new chapter is thus opening for Italian aviation and ITA Airways is preparing to enter a new phase in its history, supported by the experience and resources of the Lufthansa Group.

By the Editorial staff of Avion Tourism Magazine

Text source: Lufthansa Group Press Office / ITA Airways

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