ITA Airways Joins Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance by 2026

Lufthansa Integrates ITA Airways: A New Era for Air Travel

In a significant move for the aviation industry, Lufthansa has announced detailed plans to integrate its newly acquired Italian carrier, ITA Airways, into its global operations. This merger, officially stated on February 3, 2025, aims to enhance customer experience by aligning frequent flyer programs, consolidating flight operations, and improving overall service efficiency. With the integration of ITA Airways, Lufthansa is poised to redefine air travel for its customers, making it the primary keyword in this transformative journey.

Streamlined Benefits for Frequent Flyers

The merger will immediately benefit frequent flyers from both airlines. The 36 million members of Lufthansa’s loyalty program, Miles & More, can now earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights. Simultaneously, the 2.7 million members of ITA Airways’ Volare program will enjoy the same privileges on flights operated by Lufthansa and its partners, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

• Key Benefits for Frequent Flyers:
  • Earn and redeem miles across both airlines.
  • Access to a wider network of flights.
  • Enhanced flexibility in travel plans.

Improved Operations at Major Hubs

Starting March 30, 2025, ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group airlines will operate jointly from specific terminals in major German hubs, namely Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC). This operational synergy will streamline the transfer process for passengers.

• Terminal Changes:
  • ITA Airways will move into Terminal 1 at Frankfurt and Terminal 2 at Munich.
  • Shared terminal operations will facilitate quicker and more comfortable transfers.

The coordinated flight schedules between key hubs—Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels—will enhance connectivity and provide passengers with more options throughout the day.

Expanded Lounge Access and Codeshare Opportunities

In addition to improved terminal operations, ITA Airways passengers will gain access to approximately 130 lounges across the Lufthansa Group network starting March 30, 2025. Conversely, Lufthansa Group passengers can enjoy the amenities of ITA Airways lounges.

• Lounge Access Benefits:
  • Access to a broader range of airport lounges worldwide.
  • Enhanced travel comfort and convenience.

A new codeshare agreement will further enhance booking flexibility, allowing passengers to combine flights from different airlines within the Lufthansa Group. More than 100 initial flight connections will be available for booking from February 25, 2025, expanding access to over 250 destinations.

Transition to Star Alliance

One of the most significant changes following the acquisition is ITA Airways’ transition from the SkyTeam alliance to Star Alliance, which Lufthansa co-founded in 1997. This move, expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, is seen as crucial for the success of the newly merged airline group.

• Transition Details:
  • Collaboration with SkyTeam for a smooth exit by April 30, 2025.
  • Strategic importance of joining the largest global airline alliance.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Lufthansa and ITA Airways

As Lufthansa integrates ITA Airways into its operations, customers can expect enhanced services, greater flexibility, and a more extensive travel network. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, emphasized the importance of this integration, stating, "We are confident that ITA Airways will realize a profit as early as this year." This merger marks the beginning of a promising journey for both airlines, benefiting customers, employees, and stakeholders alike.

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think about Lufthansa’s integration of ITA Airways? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our related articles on airline mergers and travel tips!

For more information on the merger and its implications, visit Lufthansa’s official website or check out SkyTeam’s transition updates.