The landscape of Euro-Asian aviation is bracing for a major shift as Italy’s flagship carrier, ITA Airways (AZ), officially prepares to enter the strategic Japan-Europe Joint Venture. Operative as of autumn this year, the landmark expansion integrates the Italian airline into the massive bilateral network co-founded by All Nippon Airways (NH) and the Lufthansa Group (LH). The formal agreement solidifying this expansion was recently signed during the high-profile International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This crucial development marks another significant milestone in ITA Airways’ ongoing trajectory toward full integration into the Lufthansa Group. By anchoring itself within the largest active joint venture connecting Europe and Japan, the Italian carrier unlocks opportunities for much deeper cooperation across several core commercial and operational pillars.
The expanded framework encompasses ITA Airways’ extensive European network, including its domestic Italian trunk routes and regional services to North Africa’s Maghreb region. It also includes the airline’s flagship long-haul route between Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and Tokyo-Haneda (HND). This addition neatly complements the joint venture’s existing presence in Italy, anchored by All Nippon Airways’ direct Tokyo-Haneda–Milan-Malpensa service.
Central to this network expansion is ITA Airways’ primary hub at Rome-Fiumicino Airport, from which the carrier operates a daily nonstop flight to Tokyo-Haneda. In an exceptional nod to passenger experience, both of these primary gateway airports maintain the prestigious, highest-tier five-star rating from industry auditor Skytrax.
Beginning this autumn, passengers booking travel through All Nippon Airways, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines (OS), and SWISS (LX) will gain full access to ITA Airways’ intercontinental flights. These schedules can be flexibly combined with the partners’ respective flight networks, backed by a coordinated joint commercial offer rolling out sequentially before the end of the year.
ITA Airways’ regional feeder flights into Rome will create shorter, more efficient connection times to and from Japan, benefiting travelers using the southern European hub to reach destinations across the Mediterranean and North Africa. Meanwhile, passengers arriving in Tokyo will be able to connect to ANA’s extensive domestic network throughout Japan. The partnership will also include reciprocal recognition of tickets and frequent flyer programs across the member airlines, along with premium lounge access at both the Rome and Tokyo hubs.
Established initially in 2012 by All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa, the Japan-Europe Joint Venture grew to include Swiss and Austrian Airlines in the following years. The platform allows member airlines to coordinate flight schedules, align departure times throughout the day, and standardize service products. Japanese authorities officially granted the essential antitrust immunity for the expansion a few weeks ago, paving the way for a combined network that now boasts an impressive 160 weekly long-haul flights between Japan and Europe.