The Italian airline ITA Airways is now an integral part of the Lufthansa Group. The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the leading European aviation group have finalized an agreement that grants the Lufthansa Group a 41% stake in ITA Airways, while the remaining 59% initially remains in the hands of the MEF.
The basis for the agreement was already established in May 2023, when Deutsche Lufthansa AG announced the acquisition of this minority stake. Subsequently, on 29 November 2024, the European Commission approved the transaction, following a careful analysis of the proposed remedies. The agreement has also received the green light from competition authorities outside the European Union.
The initial investment was realized with a capital increase of 325 million euros. The agreement also includes options for the acquisition of the remaining shares of ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group, options that could be exercised as early as 2025. With this transaction, ITA Airways becomes the fifth network airline of the Lufthansa Group.
Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, expressed satisfaction with the agreement:
“We proudly welcome ITA Airways to the Lufthansa Group. I thank everyone who has made this possible, with support from Rome, Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt. The ITA Airways team has worked with energy and expertise to build an airline that is already a source of pride for Italy. With our investment, we will strengthen the Italian and European market, consolidating the position of the Lufthansa Group as a leader in Europe. Our passengers will benefit from improved offers and connections already from the upcoming summer schedule.”
Italy officially becomes a new “home market” for the Lufthansa Group, further strengthening its strategic importance. After the United States, it is the second most important international market for the company, excluding the home markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium.
Rome Fiumicino Airport, awarded the Skytrax 5-star certification, will be the sixth hub of the Lufthansa Group, positioning itself as the southernmost. Milan Linate, on the other hand, will represent a strategic point in the prosperous North of Italy, which hosts the second largest catchment area in the European Union.
ITA Airways will retain its distinctive brand, but will be further developed within the Lufthansa Group. The first cooperation agreements will begin in the coming weeks: ITA Airways frequent flyers will be able to collect points in both the ITA “Volare” program and the Lufthansa “Miles & More” program, and vice versa.
Additional benefits, such as codeshare connections, joint lounge usage and scheduled Star Alliance membership, will be introduced progressively. Additional details will be communicated to customers and partners in the coming months, marking a new phase of collaboration and growth for both airlines.