ITA Airways recently held its first press conference of 2025 at its headquarters in Rome Fiumicino. The event was attended by national and international media, as well as key figures from both ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group. During this conference, several important developments were revealed that will impact the airline’s passengers and its strategic position in the global aviation landscape.

Partnership with Lufthansa Group: Enhanced Benefits for Passengers

A major announcement from the press conference was the official partnership between ITA Airways’ Volare loyalty program and Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the services available to frequent flyers from both airlines. With this new partnership, the 2.7 million members of ITA Airways’ Volare program will now be able to earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Similarly, the 36 million members of Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More program will be able to earn and redeem their points on ITA Airways flights.

This collaboration is set to bring more flexibility and value to the airlines’ passengers, providing them with more options for earning and spending loyalty points across a wider range of airlines. These changes, starting in March 2025, will also improve the overall travel experience for passengers by offering access to a wider network of destinations and travel services.

New Passenger Benefits Starting in 2025

During the press conference, ITA Airways also highlighted several new benefits for passengers that would be available starting from the 2025 IATA summer season, which begins on March 30, 2025. These benefits are expected to elevate the travel experience and streamline operations for travelers:

• Lounge Access: ITA Airways passengers will gain access to approximately 130 Lufthansa Group lounges worldwide. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Group passengers will be able to access ITA Airways lounges, enhancing the comfort and convenience of their travels.
• Simplified Operations at Major Hubs: Starting in 2025, ITA Airways will move its operations to Lufthansa Group terminals at both Frankfurt and Munich airports, which are two of Germany’s busiest international airports. This change is designed to reduce travel time and streamline connections for passengers flying through these hubs.
• Codesharing and Network Expansion: ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group will introduce codeshare agreements, allowing passengers to seamlessly combine flights across the two airlines’ networks. This will open up around 250 additional destinations to ITA Airways passengers, and Lufthansa Group customers will have easier access to the destinations served by ITA Airways.
• Harmonized Connections: ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group will harmonize their flight schedules and frequencies between major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and key Italian airports such as Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate. This move is aimed at offering passengers more flexible flight options with shorter layovers.

These new offerings will have a significant impact on the travel industry by increasing convenience and improving the overall experience for passengers, potentially attracting more international travelers to fly with ITA Airways and its partner airlines in the Lufthansa Group.

ITA Airways Exits SkyTeam Alliance, Joins Star Alliance

In another major move, ITA Airways confirmed that it has completed its exit from the SkyTeam alliance, which will officially end on April 30, 2025. This decision marks a strategic shift for ITA Airways, as the airline plans to join Star Alliance, the largest global aviation alliance, by early 2026. The exit process is being managed carefully to ensure that passengers continue to receive the benefits of their existing SkyTeam memberships until the transition is completed. However, the airline intends to maintain collaborations with selected SkyTeam members through bilateral agreements.

The decision to leave SkyTeam and join Star Alliance is seen as a bold step toward strengthening ITA Airways’ global network and increasing its competitiveness in the international market. By joining Star Alliance, ITA Airways will gain access to one of the largest and most established networks of airlines worldwide, further expanding its reach and making it more attractive to travelers looking for seamless international connections.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunities

With these significant changes, ITA Airways is positioning itself for rapid growth in the coming years. The airline has not only strengthened its collaboration with the Lufthansa Group but also taken a major step toward securing a place in the global aviation network by joining Star Alliance. The new benefits being rolled out for passengers will likely increase ITA Airways’ appeal to travelers, especially those looking for more flight options, easier connections, and enhanced loyalty rewards.

The partnership with Lufthansa Group, alongside the airline’s upcoming membership in Star Alliance, will undoubtedly have a broad effect on the travel industry, attracting more global travelers and increasing connectivity between Italy and key international markets. This is expected to boost passenger numbers for ITA Airways, as well as contribute to the overall expansion of the aviation sector.

ITA Airways’ entry into the Lufthansa Group and the subsequent strategic moves announced during the press conference are set to reshape the airline’s future and provide more benefits to travelers. With a focus on improving passenger experience, enhancing loyalty programs, and expanding its global network, ITA Airways is paving the way for a more competitive and attractive airline in the international travel market.

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