Lufthansa Integrates New ITA Airways into Global Operations, Moving Toward Star Alliance Membership by 2026

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February 4, 2025 10:07 AM

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The aviation industry has entered a new phase with Lufthansa’s strategic integration of ITA Airways into its expansive network. The move is set to redefine airline partnerships, loyalty programs, and global connectivity for travelers. As part of Lufthansa Group’s growth strategy, the newly acquired Italian carrier will undergo a significant transition, incorporating various operational and customer experience changes.

Loyalty Program Overhaul for Millions of Travelers

In an announcement that will have a widespread impact, Lufthansa confirmed that its existing frequent flyer program, Miles & More, has been extended to ITA Airways flights. This change enables 36 million members of the program to accumulate and redeem miles on all ITA Airways-operated routes. Simultaneously, 2.7 million members of ITA Airways’ Volare program can now earn and redeem miles on Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines flights.

This immediate alignment provides added flexibility and travel perks for frequent flyers who rely on loyalty programs for premium services, upgrades, and travel incentives. The move is expected to significantly enhance the appeal of ITA Airways flights among international travelers who previously had limited mileage transfer options.

Operational Integration at Lufthansa’s German Hubs

From March 30, 2025, passengers of ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group carriers will benefit from consolidated terminal operations at key German airports, including Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC). ITA Airways flights will relocate to Lufthansa’s designated areas—Terminal 1 in Frankfurt and Terminal 2 in Munich—streamlining passenger transit between connecting flights.

The decision to centralize operations within single terminals is aimed at:

• Reducing transfer times for connecting flights
• Enhancing customer convenience by enabling quicker transits
• Offering an improved passenger experience with access to shared airport facilities

In addition, at other Lufthansa Group hubs, including Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan-Linate (LIN), operations have already been aligned to minimize disruptions and ensure seamless transfers between the airlines.

Enhanced Connectivity Through Flight Schedule Optimization

Another major shift in Lufthansa’s integration strategy involves recalibrating flight schedules between the Group’s main hubs. Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels—Lufthansa’s core European hubs—will now have optimized schedules with ITA Airways’ two primary bases in Rome and Milan. This will lead to better-distributed flights throughout the day, offering travelers more flexible booking options.

For long-haul travelers, this change means smoother connections and reduced layover times when flying through Lufthansa’s and ITA Airways’ extensive networks. The efficiency gains will also have a knock-on effect, improving flight punctuality and reducing airport congestion.

Exclusive Lounge Access for ITA Airways Travelers

From the start of the IATA summer season in 2025, ITA Airways passengers will gain entry to Lufthansa Group’s 130 global lounges, offering premium travelers enhanced comfort and services during their journeys. Lufthansa Group passengers, in turn, will receive reciprocal access to ITA Airways’ exclusive lounges across major airports.

This lounge integration is expected to provide:

• Business and first-class travelers with superior pre-flight experiences
• Frequent flyer program members with expanded access to premium facilities
• Increased competitiveness for ITA Airways in attracting high-value travelers

Codesharing to Expand Passenger Options

A major milestone in this integration is the launch of a new codeshare agreement between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group airlines. From February 25, 2025, passengers will have the ability to book interconnected flights across both airline networks via all sales channels.

Initially, over 100 flight connections will be codeshared, meaning travelers can book a single ticket for multiple airline-operated flights. Once fully implemented, ITA Airways passengers will gain access to over 250 destinations served by Lufthansa Group.

For Lufthansa Group customers, the codeshare deal expands travel options to Italy’s major regions, including Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Puglia. This expansion of direct and connecting flight options will prove beneficial for both business and leisure travelers seeking more flexible itineraries.

A Bold Move: ITA Airways to Exit SkyTeam for Star Alliance

Perhaps the most consequential decision in ITA Airways’ transformation is its transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance. Lufthansa, a founding member of Star Alliance, has positioned this shift as a key element of its long-term integration strategy.

The exit process from SkyTeam is already in motion and is set to conclude by April 30, 2025. ITA Airways will officially enter Star Alliance during the first half of 2026, reinforcing its connectivity with global airline partners, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Air Canada.

SkyTeam members, including Air France, Delta Air Lines, and KLM, have acknowledged the upcoming departure, stating that they are working closely with ITA Airways to ensure minimal disruption to customers during the transition.

Global Implications for the Travel Industry

The Lufthansa-ITA Airways integration is expected to reshape global travel patterns, particularly in Europe and transatlantic routes. Several key effects on the travel industry include:

• Increased Travel Options: With ITA Airways fully embedded within Lufthansa’s network, passengers flying between Europe and destinations in North America, Asia, and Africa will have expanded choices for their itineraries.
• Competitive Pricing: With the integration of schedules and network-wide codesharing, airfare competition between Lufthansa Group and other airline alliances—particularly SkyTeam—could intensify.
• Premium Passenger Perks: Business and first-class passengers will benefit from improved lounge access, better frequent flyer mile redemption options, and smoother transfer experiences at major hubs.
• Tourism Boost in Italy: With ITA Airways now leveraging Lufthansa’s extensive distribution and marketing capabilities, Italy is likely to see an increase in inbound tourism, especially from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Leadership’s Vision for the Future

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, emphasized the long-term vision behind the merger, stating that Lufthansa is focused on swiftly completing the integration to ensure that both ITA Airways and Lufthansa passengers reap the benefits of the expanded network.

He further projected that ITA Airways is on track to achieve profitability by the end of 2025, reinforcing confidence in the airline’s long-term sustainability under the Lufthansa umbrella.

The move has been described as the beginning of a joint success story for ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group, and the broader travel community.

Final Thoughts: A New Era in European Aviation

The Lufthansa-ITA Airways integration marks a pivotal development in the airline industry, redefining airline alliances, loyalty benefits, and operational efficiencies. With ITA Airways soon to become a member of Star Alliance, travelers can expect greater connectivity and improved services across multiple regions.

While the transition away from SkyTeam may create temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits of aligning with Lufthansa Group are poised to outweigh the short-term adjustments. As the industry prepares for this transition, travelers and industry stakeholders alike will be closely watching how this merger reshapes European aviation in the years to come.