Lufthansa Unveils Detailed Integration Plans for ITA Airways
Lufthansa has outlined its comprehensive plans to integrate newly acquired ITA Airways into its global operations, marking a significant step in the merger between the two carriers. In a statement released on February 3, 2025, Lufthansa detailed its post-merger strategy, which includes aligning frequent flyer programs, streamlining flight operations, and enhancing connectivity for customers.
At a press conference in Rome, Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, and Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, outlined key integration initiatives that will benefit both ITA Airways passengers and Lufthansa Group travelers. One major development is the immediate opportunity for members of Lufthansa’s Miles & More loyalty program to earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. Likewise, Volare members, ITA’s frequent flyer program, will be able to earn and redeem points across Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Streamlined Operations and Improved Connectivity
Starting from March 30, 2025, ITA Airways passengers will benefit from joint operations within Lufthansa’s terminals at its primary German hubs at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC). ITA Airways will move into Terminal 1 at Frankfurt and Terminal 2 at Munich, providing smoother connections and shorter transfer times between Lufthansa Group carriers. These changes will make it easier for passengers to transfer between flights operated by Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways, enhancing the travel experience.
In addition to the improved terminal integration, flight schedules will be better coordinated between Lufthansa Group’s hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and ITA’s main hubs in Rome and Milan. This will offer passengers greater flexibility with more flight options, making it easier to connect between these major airports.
Expanded Lounge Access
Also starting on March 30, 2025, ITA Airways passengers will gain access to over 130 lounges across the Lufthansa Group network, enhancing the airport experience for travelers. In return, Lufthansa Group passengers will be able to access ITA Airways lounges when flying with the Italian carrier, creating a reciprocal benefit for all travelers within the merged airline family.
New Codeshare Agreement
As part of the integration, Lufthansa and ITA Airways will launch a new codeshare agreement that allows passengers to book flights across both airlines more seamlessly. This codeshare will initially include over 100 flight connections, allowing customers to combine flights from different airlines within the Lufthansa Group into a single booking. Once fully implemented, this codeshare will give ITA Airways passengers access to over 250 destinations in the Lufthansa Group’s global network.
For Lufthansa Group passengers, the codeshare will also include access to ITA Airways’ domestic flights within Italy, including destinations like Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Puglia. The new codeshare routes will be available for booking starting February 25 through all sales channels, including online and through the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways apps.
Joining Star Alliance
A significant shift in the integration process is ITA Airways’ transition from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance. ITA Airways is set to join Star Alliance by the first half of 2026, marking a major milestone for both the airline and Lufthansa Group. This move will allow ITA Airways to integrate more fully into the Lufthansa Group’s global network.
As part of this transition, ITA Airways will be exiting SkyTeam by April 30, 2025, with close cooperation between ITA Airways and SkyTeam members to ensure a smooth transition for customers and partners.
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr expressed confidence that the integration of ITA Airways would be a success, both for passengers and for the airlines. “Now that ITA Airways has become a member of our airline family, we want to push ahead with the merger quickly,” said Spohr. “We are also confident that ITA Airways will realize a profit as early as this year.”
This strategic integration is set to significantly enhance the Lufthansa Group’s offerings and expand its presence, particularly in the Italian market and across Europe.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Lufthansa