Lufthansa Group acquires a strategic forty-one percent stake in ITA Airways, marking a transformative step in global aviation and strengthening its European dominance.

ITA Airways Joins Lufthansa Group: A New Era in Aviation Partnership

The Lufthansa Group has officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member. The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Europe’s leading airline consortium finalized the agreement today, granting Lufthansa a 41% stake in ITA Airways. The remaining 59% of the airline will remain under the ownership of MEF for now.

The deal, initially announced in May 2023, allows Deutsche Lufthansa AG to acquire a minority interest in ITA Airways. Following approval from the European Commission on November 29, 2024, and clearance from competition authorities outside the EU, the transaction has now been successfully completed.

Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says:

“We are proud to finally welcome ITA Airways to the Lufthansa Group. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this, especially in Rome, Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt. The ITA Airways team has written an impressive success story in recent years and, with great energy, passion and expertise, has built an airline that is already the pride of an entire nation. We look forward to continuing this success story of ITA Airways together. With our investment, we will now strengthen the Italian and European aviation market and the position of the Lufthansa Group as number one in Europe. Our joint passengers worldwide will benefit from improved offers and optimized connections as early as this upcoming summer flight schedule.”

Investment and Growth Strategy

This milestone was achieved through a €325 million capital injection. The Lufthansa Group and MEF have also agreed on options for the future acquisition of the remaining shares in ITA Airways, which can be exercised starting this year. With this partnership, ITA Airways becomes the fifth network carrier in the Lufthansa Group.

Strengthening ITA Airways as a Brand

ITA Airways will retain its identity as an independent and strong brand while benefiting from the Lufthansa Group’s resources and expertise. Following today’s transaction, both companies will implement initial cooperative measures aimed at enhancing passenger experiences. Frequent flyers of ITA Airways can soon earn and redeem points in both the existing Volare program and the Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More loyalty program. Similarly, Miles & More members will gain access to ITA Airways’ flights. Additional collaborations, such as shared lounges, codeshare agreements, and ITA Airways’ inclusion in the Star Alliance network, are set to roll out progressively.

A Modern and Growing Airline

Operating since 2021, ITA Airways is a young airline with a focus on growth and sustainability. Its fleet of 99 modern Airbus aircraft, including long-haul models like the A350-900, A330-900neo, and A330-200, enables the airline to serve nearly 70 global destinations. In 2024, ITA Airways carried approximately 18 million passengers, with its primary hubs located at Rome Fiumicino (a 5-star Skytrax airport) and Milan Linate.

Leadership Updates

With this new chapter, ITA Airways has announced key leadership appointments:

• Joerg Eberhart (54) has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will also serve as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Antonino Turicchi and Andrea Benassi, who had been serving in interim roles.
• Lorenza Maggio (47) takes on the role of Chief Strategy and Integration Officer (CSIO) and joins the Board of Directors. She will oversee ITA Airways’ strategic growth and its integration into the Lufthansa Group.
• Michael Trestl (39), formerly Chief Commercial Officer at Austrian Airlines, will lead the comprehensive integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group as ITA Implementation Officer. He will transition to the Lufthansa Group headquarters in Frankfurt for this role.

Looking Ahead

This partnership marks a significant step for ITA Airways as it integrates into one of Europe’s most prominent airline groups. Passengers, partners, and stakeholders can expect enhanced services, seamless connections, and continued growth as ITA Airways soars into a brighter future within the Lufthansa Group. Further updates on collaborations and developments will be shared in due course.

“I am delighted that we can appoint two managers from our own ranks to the management of ITA Airways: Joerg Eberhart and Lorenza Maggio,” says Carsten Spohr. “With their extensive experience and expertise, they will continue ITA Airways’ successful course and quickly integrate the airline into the Lufthansa Group. With Michael Trestl, an experienced airline manager will take over the integration task in the group.”

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