Lufthansa moves forward with the integration of Italian airline ITA Airways

05-02-25

The process of integrating ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group has officially begun. Following Lufthansa's acquisition of a 41% stake in the Italian airline for an investment of 325 million euros, ITA Airways becomes the German group's fifth network airline, joining Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

This transaction, which was finalized in January 2025, is the result of negotiations that spanned two years between Lufthansa and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. The initial transaction was carried out through a capital increase, and Lufthansa has the option to acquire additional stakes in the future, with the possibility of reaching a majority stake in the coming years.

With the integration, ITA Airways plans to join Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance, in early 2026. The move aims to strengthen ITA's position in the global market and offer passengers a wider network of destinations and additional benefits.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has pointed out that this acquisition is a strategic step to consolidate the group's presence in Southern Europe. In addition, Spohr has expressed his conviction that the European airline industry is in the process of consolidation, and that the integration of ITA Airways is a sign of this.

For its part, ITA Airways has shown signs of recovery and growth. In 2024, the airline recorded a 25% increase in passenger revenues compared to the previous year, reaching total sales of €2.7 billion. Flight occupancy factor exceeded 80%, and in the first half of the year, the company achieved a positive EBITDA of €62 million.

The integration also entails changes in the management structure of ITA Airways. Jörg Eberhart, who previously headed Air Dolomiti and served as head of strategy at Lufthansa, has been appointed as the new CEO of ITA Airways. His experience in the Italian market and his track record in the Lufthansa Group are seen as key assets in leading the Italian airline's transformation.

In terms of operations, ITA Airways is planning an expansion of its fleet and routes. The airline currently operates a fleet of nearly 100 Airbus aircraft and plans to increase its presence on long-haul routes, especially to North America. In addition, the integration into the Lufthansa Group is expected to facilitate operational and commercial synergies, improving efficiency and service offerings for passengers.

The European Commission has closely monitored this transaction to ensure fair competition in the European airline market. As part of the commitments made, Lufthansa and ITA Airways have agreed to cede certain routes and slots to other airlines, including IAG, EasyJet and Air France-KLM, to mitigate potential antitrust concerns.

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group represents an opportunity to revitalize Italian aviation and strengthen air connectivity in Europe. With Lufthansa's backing, ITA Airways is expected to improve its competitiveness and customer service, contributing to the economic and tourism development of Italy and the region in general.

As this integration process progresses, passengers can anticipate an enhanced travel experience, with access to a wider network of destinations, expanded loyalty benefits and optimized services. The collaboration between ITA Airways and the other airlines of the Lufthansa Group promises to offer greater choice and convenience for travelers in Europe and beyond.

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