ITA HEADING FOR STAR ALLIANCE

The Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways have made significant strides in their integration, following Lufthansa's acquisition of a 41% stake in the Italian carrier, finalized in January 2025. A key development is the expanded codeshare agreement, effective from July 1, 2025, allowing seamless booking across long-haul flights. Customers can now combine flights from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines with ITA Airways' long-haul routes, such as Frankfurt to Bangkok via Rome or Vienna to São Paulo via Rome. This builds on the codesharing initiated in February 2025, which already covers over 100 domestic and European routes, enhancing connectivity and passenger flexibility.

ITA Airways has also integrated operations at Lufthansa Group's hubs in Frankfurt (Terminal 1) and Munich (Terminal 2) since March 2025, streamlining check-in, gates, and baggage services. Passengers benefit from access to over 130 Lufthansa Group lounges worldwide, while Lufthansa Group customers can use ITA Airways lounges. A new Milan Linate to Munich route was introduced, strengthening connectivity.

ITA Airways will join the Star Alliance in 2026, transitioning from SkyTeam, and has adopted Lufthansa's Miles & More loyalty program, phasing out its Volare program. A status match for Volare members to Miles & More is available until June 10, 2025.

However, challenges persist. Condor and Luxair have filed legal challenges against the European Commission's approval of the merger, citing concerns over slot allocations at Milan Linate airport. Additionally, both airlines extended flight suspensions to Tel Aviv until June 22, 2025, due to security concerns following regional tensions.

Financially, Lufthansa reported a 10% revenue increase in 2025, with strong demand in North Atlantic and European leisure markets, though ITA Airways contributed to a €38 million loss in equity investments. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, Lufthansa remains optimistic for a robust summer season. The integration aims to enhance travel experiences, with ITA Airways' operations increasingly aligned with Lufthansa Group's standards