ITA Airways Joins Lufthansa Group
Italian carrier ITA Airways has officially become the fifth network airline within the Lufthansa Group following a landmark deal finalized on January 17, 2025. The deal, valued at EUR325 million (USD335 million), also saw the Italian government retain a 59% majority stake in the carrier.
This strategic investment gives Lufthansa Group a 41% stake in ITA Airways, while the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) retains 59% ownership. The agreement, which had been in the works since May 2023, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Italian and broader European aviation markets.
This move integrates ITA Airways into Lufthansa’s portfolio, joining carriers like Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. ITA will maintain its brand identity, with Rome Fiumicino becoming Lufthansa’s sixth hub, while Milan Linate assumes a pivotal role.
The deal began with a capital increase of €325 million, setting the stage for future growth. Both parties have agreed on options that allow Lufthansa Group to acquire the remaining shares in ITA Airways, with the possibility to exercise these options starting this year. This investment is expected to transform ITA Airways’ connectivity and operational efficiency, particularly by enhancing the airline’s hub strategy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO). With improved connections and a more streamlined network, joint passengers can anticipate a more cohesive travel experience across the Lufthansa Group’s extensive global network.
Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “With our investment, we will now strengthen the Italian and European aviation market. Our joint passengers worldwide will benefit from improved offers and optimized connections as early as this upcoming summer flight schedule.” Spohr further added that Italy will become a further “home market” for the Lufthansa Group, highlighting that the country already ranks as its second most important international market after the USA. In the near future, Rome Fiumicino Airport is expected to serve as the sixth and southernmost hub for the group, further cementing its strategic role in European aviation.
As part of this transformation, key leadership appointments have been made at ITA Airways. Joerg Eberhart has been named the new CEO of the Italian carrier, while Lorenza Maggio will assume the role of Chief Strategy and Integration Officer and join the Board of Directors. Additionally, Michael Trestl has been appointed as ITA Implementation Officer, tasked with driving the integration process and ensuring that the strategic objectives of the partnership are met.
Lufthansa Group is focused on enhancing ITA Airways’ connectivity strategy by improving the number of connecting passengers, particularly through its primary hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The deal is expected to create more streamlined connections not only within Europe but also on transcontinental routes. For instance, the Italian carrier is set to launch direct flights from Rome to Bogotá, Colombia, as part of the Lufthansa Group’s broader expansion into South America. Furthermore, ITA Airways will increase the frequency of flights to additional Brazilian cities, building on its current routes to Sao Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG).
In addition to its South American ambitions, Lufthansa is also targeting improved connectivity from Eastern Europe to its US networks. This coordinated approach is designed to create a more integrated and efficient global network, benefiting millions of passengers worldwide and ensuring that the benefits of scale and connectivity translate into superior travel experiences.
The European Commission and several competition authorities outside the EU have already given their initial approval for the deal, signaling broad support for the transaction. As ITA Airways integrates more closely into the Lufthansa Group, industry insiders expect significant synergies that will boost efficiency, passenger service, and overall network quality. With an eye on expanding markets in South America, Africa, and beyond, this merger is poised to reshape the competitive landscape, ensuring that the combined network continues to meet the evolving needs of international travelers.
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