ITA Airways has officially received the green light to begin its integration into Star Alliance, following formal approval from the alliance’s Chief Executive Board (CEB). This marks a pivotal step in the Italian carrier’s strategic expansion, coming shortly after it joined the Lufthansa Group earlier this year.
The integration process will now move into full gear, with ITA Airways projected to become a full-fledged member of Star Alliance by early 2026. This development reinforces Star Alliance’s already expansive global reach, as ITA Airways is poised to contribute significantly to the network’s European operations.
“This is an exciting milestone for both ITA Airways and Star Alliance. With its strategic location and national importance as Italy’s flag carrier, ITA Airways brings significant value to our network. Its addition will offer travelers more seamless connections and a more unified travel experience,” according to Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance.
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, echoed the enthusiasm, stating, “Joining Star Alliance enables us to project the quality and elegance of Italian service to a global audience. Our integration will enrich the alliance with a distinctly Italian touch while offering our passengers access to the world’s largest airline network.”
ITA Airways is set to contribute approximately 360 daily flights to the Star Alliance network, strengthening connections in key hubs like Rome and Milan. These cities are already served by 16 other Star Alliance members, and ITA’s presence is expected to significantly boost the alliance’s regional footprint in Europe.
The Lufthansa Group, which recently welcomed ITA Airways into its fold, will mentor the airline through the integration process. “We’re proud to support ITA Airways in this next chapter. Their inclusion as our fifth hub airline within the alliance will provide Star Alliance customers with even more flexibility and options for personalized travel planning,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.
Once ITA Airways completes the onboarding process, Star Alliance will expand to 26 member airlines, operating more than 18,000 daily flights to 1,300 destinations across 192 countries. This integration will not only enhance connectivity but also elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.