Lufthansa Group to Consolidate Control of ITA Airways with Majority Stake Purchase in June
Lufthansa Group has announced it will exercise its call option to increase its stake in ITA Airways to 90% this coming June. This strategic move accelerates consolidation within the European market and positions Rome as a pivotal hub for South American routes.
Increased Shareholding and Financial Details
The German carrier will bolster its presence in the Italian airline by acquiring a second tranche of shares equivalent to 49%. The group currently holds a 41% stake; therefore, this transaction will grant it majority control of the Rome-based carrier.
Key points of the financial transaction include:
- Investment: The capital outlay for this new share package will be €325 million (approximately $382 million).
- Timeline: The execution of the purchase option is scheduled for June 2026.
- Final Closing: Completion of the majority acquisition is expected by the first quarter of 2027, pending the necessary regulatory approvals from the European Union and the United States.
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Operational Integration and Financial Performance
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr highlighted during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that the integration of the Italian airline has been the fastest in the group’s history. Although ITA Airways is still majority-owned by the Italian government, synergies with the German group have already begun to yield positive results.
- Profitability: In 2025, the airline reported its first annual net profit of €209 million.
- Efficiency: These results were driven by early cost-structure benefits derived from its alignment with the German group.
- Fifth Network Carrier: The company is already functioning as an integrated entity, serving as the group’s fifth network carrier across various operational areas.
Strategic Role of Rome as a Hub
The Lufthansa Group strategy involves strengthening Rome Airport as a fundamental hub. The primary objective is to enhance transatlantic routes, specifically toward South America, leveraging the geographic location and infrastructure of the Italian capital to expand its global reach.
Next Steps
Following the signing of the agreement in June, the process will remain subject to international regulatory oversight. The transition will mark the end of ITA Airways’ era as a predominantly state-controlled enterprise, consolidating it as a cornerstone of Lufthansa’s multi-brand structure by late 2026 and early 2027.
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