Spread the love

Lufthansa Group - Logo

Lufthansa Group has officially welcomed ITA Airways into its expanding airline family, marking a transformative milestone for European aviation. The long-anticipated integration, now in full swing, brings many passenger benefits, including expanded frequent flyer perks, streamlined airport operations, enhanced lounge access, and an optimized flight network across Europe and beyond.

Announced at a press conference in Rome, Deutsche Lufthansa AG CEO Carsten Spohr, ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo, and ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart outlined the immediate advantages for travellers as the merger swiftly takes effect.

Elevating the Frequent Flyer Experience

Effective immediately, Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More program—boasting over 36 million members—allows travellers to earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. In turn, ITA Airways’ Volare program, serving 2.7 million members, grants access to points accumulation and redemption on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

This seamless alignment of loyalty programs underscores Lufthansa’s commitment to enhancing passenger benefits while strengthening ITA Airways’ appeal in the global aviation market.

Seamless Airport Transitions for Faster Transfers

Starting March 30, 2025, ITA Airways will relocate to Lufthansa’s primary terminals at key European hubs:

  • Frankfurt: Moving operations to Terminal 1 for streamlined transfers.
  • Munich: Transitioning to Terminal 2, optimizing connectivity.

By consolidating operations under one roof, passengers experience significantly reduced connection times, enhancing convenience and overall efficiency. Moreover, Lufthansa Group airlines will operate within ITA Airways’ terminal areas in Rome-Fiumicino and Milan-Linate, ensuring consistency across hubs.

Access to Over 130 Premium Lounges Worldwide

From March 30, ITA Airways passengers will gain entry to Lufthansa Group’s 130+ exclusive airport lounges, providing premium comfort across the airline network. Likewise, Lufthansa Group customers can now access ITA Airways’ dedicated lounges, further enriching the premium travel experience for frequent flyers and business travellers.

Massive Expansion of Code-Sharing Routes

A key integration highlight is the launch of over 100 new code-share agreements, allowing travellers to book combined itineraries effortlessly. This means greater flexibility, increased route options, and simplified ticketing, all of which take effect with the summer 2025 flight schedule.

Lufthansa Group passengers will gain direct access to ITA Airways’ domestic Italian routes, including sought-after destinations such as Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Puglia. Meanwhile, ITA Airways customers will now have streamlined access to Lufthansa Group’s 250+ global destinations, opening up new travel opportunities worldwide.

Starting February 25, 2025, all codeshare routes will be available for booking via global sales channels, including Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways’ websites and mobile apps.

Optimized Flight Schedules for Better Connectivity

The integration also brings coordinated flight schedules between Lufthansa’s major hubs—Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels—and ITA Airways’ key airports in Rome and Milan. The new scheduling strategy is designed to reduce layover times and maximize long-haul connectivity, ensuring a smoother travel experience for passengers.

ITA Airways to Join Star Alliance by 2026

A pivotal shift in ITA Airways’ global positioning is its transition from the SkyTeam alliance to the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. With preparations already in progress, ITA Airways will become a full Star Alliance member by mid-2026, unlocking even greater global connectivity for its passengers.

“Now that ITA Airways is part of our airline family, we are fast-tracking the integration to ensure our passengers benefit immediately. This is a game-changer for European air travel,” stated Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Cargo Expansion to Drive New Growth

Beyond passenger services, the integration is set to bolster airfreight operations. Lufthansa Cargo and ITA Airways will begin joint offerings for freight customers on selected routes as early as the summer of 2025. This move strengthens the competitive position of both airlines in the global cargo market.

A Bright Future for ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of ITA Airways signals a powerful new chapter in European aviation. With enhanced customer benefits, expanded global reach, and a strategic transition to Star Alliance, the partnership is poised to elevate ITA Airways to profitability as early as this year.

“This marks the beginning of a shared success story for passengers, employees, and shareholders alike,” added Spohr.

As ITA Airways spreads its wings under Lufthansa’s leadership, travellers can expect nothing less than an unparalleled flying experience, reaffirming both airlines’ commitment to excellence in global aviation.

 

 

 

Written by: Michelle Warner

 

 

 

 

 

=======================================