ITA Airways Integration into the Lufthansa Group Begins

The Lufthansa Group has commenced the integration of ITA Airways after completing the acquisition of 41% of the Italian airline. This strategic move will bring significant operational changes and benefits for passengers, consolidating the German group’s presence in the European aviation market.

Immediate Benefits for Loyalty Programs

Effective immediately, the 36 million members of the Miles & More loyalty program can earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. Similarly, the 2.7 million members of Volare, the Italian airline’s frequent flyer program, can use their points on flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

→ ITA Airways Resumes Flights between Rome and Tel Aviv starting February

Operational Changes Starting March 30

The bulk of the modifications will take effect on March 30, coinciding with the start of the summer season. As of that date:

• Terminal Relocation: ITA Airways flights will operate from Lufthansa’s terminals at Frankfurt and Munich airports, facilitating passenger connections.
• VIP Lounge Access: ITA Airways passengers will gain access to the 130 VIP lounges of the Lufthansa Group and its partners. Likewise, ITA’s VIP lounges will be available to Lufthansa customers.
• Schedule Coordination: Flight schedules will be optimized to improve connections between the group’s airlines.

Expansion of the Route Network

With ITA Airways joining the Lufthansa network, passengers will have more travel options and flexibility. Initially, over 100 codeshare connections will be implemented, allowing travelers to combine flights from different group airlines in a single reservation.

Once fully implemented, ITA Airways passengers will have access to over 250 Lufthansa Group destinations. Meanwhile, Lufthansa customers will be able to book ITA Airways domestic flights to Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Apulia.

ITA Airways to Leave SkyTeam and Join Star Alliance in 2026

The Italian airline plans to join Star Alliance in early 2026 as its loyalty program integrates with the German airline’s.

A Promising Future for ITA Airways

Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr has emphasized that ITA Airways’ integration is a key step in the group’s consolidation and that the goal is to accelerate the merger to deliver benefits as soon as possible. He is also optimistic about ITA Airways becoming profitable in 2024, marking the beginning of a joint success story.

With this integration, Lufthansa strengthens its presence in the Italian market and expands its offering in Europe, enhancing connectivity and passenger experience. This is undoubtedly a key milestone in European aviation.

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