In a move that signals a new chapter for international aviation, ITA Airways has officially joined Star Alliance, becoming the alliance’s 26th member and strengthening connectivity across Europe and beyond. The milestone marks the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest global airline network, bringing expanded travel opportunities and a more seamless experience for passengers worldwide.
The announcement was celebrated during a formal ceremony at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge in Rome Fiumicino Airport, where leaders from ITA Airways, Star Alliance, and Lufthansa Group gathered alongside media and institutional guests to mark the occasion.
A Strategic Expansion for Global Travel
With its official entry into Star Alliance effective April 1, ITA Airways is now fully integrated into a network that connects more than 1,150 destinations across the globe.
The airline’s key hubs—Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate—are already served by 17 Star Alliance member carriers, making Italy an even more accessible gateway for international travelers. The addition of ITA Airways strengthens connectivity across Southern Europe while enhancing links to major global markets.
Passengers can now benefit from coordinated services such as through check-in, streamlined connections, and access to an extensive network of airport lounges, reinforcing a more cohesive travel experience across multiple airlines.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
Beyond expanded routes, the integration brings a range of customer-focused benefits designed to simplify and elevate travel.
Frequent flyer program members can now earn and redeem miles across the Star Alliance network, while eligible travelers gain access to priority services and premium lounge experiences worldwide. Star Alliance Gold members, in particular, will have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan, and Catania.
These enhancements reflect a broader commitment to delivering consistency and convenience—key elements in today’s increasingly interconnected travel landscape.
A Milestone for ITA Airways’ Growth
For ITA Airways, joining Star Alliance represents a defining moment in its development as a global carrier.
Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart described the membership as a historic step that significantly expands the airline’s international reach. By joining the alliance, ITA Airways is able to offer passengers access to a vast global network while maintaining its distinctive Italian identity—an approach that blends operational excellence with cultural character.
The airline currently serves over 16 million passengers annually and contributes more than 350 daily flights to the alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional presence.
Collaboration at the Core of Integration
The integration of ITA Airways into Star Alliance was guided by Lufthansa Group, which holds a 41 percent stake in the airline. Over several months, teams across the group worked closely with Star Alliance and ITA Airways to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving this milestone, noting that the partnership unlocks new value for customers, partners, and the broader alliance ecosystem.
This alignment also reinforces Lufthansa Group’s multi-hub strategy, offering passengers greater flexibility and a more comprehensive route network across Europe and beyond.
A Network That Continues to Grow
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across over 190 countries.
Since its founding in 1997, the alliance has been built on a commitment to global reach, seamless service, and shared value for both airlines and passengers. The inclusion of ITA Airways strengthens this vision, further enhancing the alliance’s ability to connect people, cultures, and economies worldwide.
A New Era for Italian Aviation
As ITA Airways takes its place within Star Alliance, the move represents more than just an expansion of routes—it reflects a broader evolution in how airlines collaborate to meet the needs of modern travelers.
By combining global infrastructure with a uniquely Italian approach to hospitality, ITA Airways brings a distinctive perspective to the alliance. At the same time, its membership ensures that travelers can navigate international journeys with greater ease, efficiency, and consistency.
In an industry defined by connectivity, this milestone underscores a simple yet powerful idea: when airlines work together, the world becomes more accessible.
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