Lufthansa Group acquires 41 per cent stake in ITA Airways

A significant expansion for both parties

Lufthansa Group has officially finalised its acquisition of a 41 per cent stake in ITA Airways, marking the Italian airline’s integration into Europe’s leading aviation group.

After receiving regulatory approval from the European Commission and competition authorities outside the EU, the deal involved a capital increase of 325 million euros and was completed on January 17, 2025.

The agreement, first announced in May 2023, sets the stage for ITA Airways to become the Lufthansa Group’s fifth network airline. The remaining 59 per cent of ITA Airways shares will continue to be held by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The move strengthens Lufthansa’s foothold in Italy, a key market for the group, and boosts its competitive position in the European aviation industry.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “We are proud to welcome ITA Airways to the Lufthansa Group,” said Spohr. “Our investment will enhance the Italian and European aviation markets and reinforce our position as Europe’s number one airline group. Together, we will continue the impressive success story of ITA Airways and provide our passengers with more choices and optimised connections starting this summer.”

The partnership between Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways represents a significant expansion for both parties. ITA Airways, which started operations in 2021, has proliferated, offering services to nearly 70 destinations globally. The airline’s 99 modern Airbus aircraft fleet, including long-haul A350 and A330 models, positions it as an environmentally sustainable and competitive player.

As part of the integration, Italy will become the Lufthansa Group’s second “home market,” alongside Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, a five-star hub, will serve as the Group’s southernmost base. At the same time, Milan-Linate Airport will play a central role in connecting Lufthansa Group airlines to Italy’s economically significant northern region.

The collaboration between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group will soon benefit passengers with joint programmes and new offers. In the summer flight schedule, ITA Airways frequent flyers can earn and redeem miles through the Lufthansa Group’s loyalty programme, Miles & More.

Additionally, passengers will enjoy improved connections and access to joint codeshare flights. The airlines also plan to share lounges and work towards ITA Airways’ full membership in the Star Alliance network.

“By integrating ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group, we will ensure the airline’s continued growth and success,” said Spohr. “ITA Airways will retain its brand identity, and we will offer passengers even more seamless travel options.”

In addition to strengthening operational ties, the Lufthansa Group has appointed key leadership for ITA Airways.

Joerg Eberhart, formerly a senior executive at Lufthansa Group, will serve as the new CEO of ITA Airways. Eberhart will take over the leadership role from Antonino Turicchi and Andrea Benassi, who had been serving as interim executives. Lorenza Maggio, another experienced Lufthansa Group manager, will assume the position of Chief Strategy and Integration Officer (CSIO) at ITA Airways, overseeing its strategic development and integration into the Group.

Austrian Airlines executive board member Michael Trestl has been appointed the “ITA Implementation Officer” and will oversee the comprehensive integration process. With extensive airline management experience, Trestl will move to Lufthansa Group’s headquarters in Frankfurt to manage the transition.

“We are excited to have Joerg Eberhart, Lorenza Maggio, and Michael Trestl take on these critical roles,” said Spohr. “Their experience will be invaluable as we continue to develop ITA Airways into a key part of the Lufthansa Group and ensure a smooth integration process.”

With this strategic acquisition, Lufthansa Group is well-positioned to expand its influence in Southern Europe and enhance its offering to customers globally. The completion of this deal marks a new chapter for ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group as they embark on a new era of cooperation.

Image: The collaboration between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group will soon benefit passengers with joint programmes and new offers. Credit: Lufthansa Group

Last Updated on 8 hours by Arnold Pinto