February 16, 2025
ITA Airways Begins Integration into the Lufthansa Group

ITA Airways Begins Integration into the Lufthansa Group

ITA Airways has now left SkyTeam as it officially commences its integration into the Lufthansa Group. ITA will operate from T1 Frankfurt and T2 Munich from 30 March.
A line of Lufthansa Group aircraft including an ITA Airways aircraft.
Image Credit: Lufthansa Group

Integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group has now commenced. From 30 March 2025, ITA Airways will move into Terminal 1 in Frankfurt and into Terminal 2 in Munich.

ITA Airways has now left the SkyTeam Alliance as it commences the integration process.

A Merger and a New Era


The integration of the Italian flag carrier into the Lufthansa Group ushers in a new era of air travel for passengers. Significant changes are already underway, with more benefits on the horizon.

This comprehensive merger will streamline travel, enhance connectivity, and provide a wider range of options for passengers of both airlines. One of the most immediate and tangible benefits for travelers is the move of ITA”s operations to Lufthansa Group terminals at major hubs.

Starting 30 March 2025, ITA Airways will operate from Terminal 1 in Frankfurt and Terminal 2 in Munich. This co-location within the same terminals will minimize transfer times and creating a more convenient travel experience.

This streamlined approach mirrors the existing setup at other Lufthansa Group hubs, as well as in Rome-Fiumicino and Milan-Linate, where both airlines already operate from shared terminal areas.

Lounge Access and Code-Sharing Agreements


Enhanced lounge access is another immediate perk. As of March 30, ITA Airways passengers will gain access to approximately 130 lounges operated by the Lufthansa Group and its partners. Reciprocally, Lufthansa Group passengers can enjoy the comfort and amenities of ITA Airways lounges.

Furthermore, a comprehensive code-sharing agreement between the airlines significantly expands travel options. Over 100 flight connections will initially share flight numbers, simplifying bookings and enabling seamless connections.

This allows passengers to combine flights from different airlines within the group under a single reservation. Ultimately, this code-sharing agreement will grant ITA Airways passengers access to over 250 destinations within the Lufthansa Group network.

Lufthansa Group passengers will also benefit from expanded access to ITA Airways’ domestic routes, including flights to Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Puglia.

These codeshare connections are available for booking from February 25th across all sales channels, including online platforms and the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways apps.

Closeup of ITA Airways aircraft on taxiway.
Photo Credit: ITA Airways

Coordinated Flight Schedules and Frequent Flyer Program


The integration extends to flight schedules, with optimized connections between Lufthansa Group hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels) and ITA Airways’ main airports in Rome and Milan. Coordinated departure times will reduce waiting periods and improve connections, particularly for long-haul flights, providing greater flexibility for travelers.

The integration of frequent flyer programs is another significant advantage. The 36 million members of Miles & More can now earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights.

Similarly, the 2.7 million members of the Volare program can earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Transition to Star Alliance


Looking ahead, ITA Airways is transitioning to the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. This move is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. It will unlock a wealth of benefits for passengers, providing access to an even broader global network and enhanced travel experiences. In anticipation of this, ITA Airways has already begun the process of withdrawing from the SkyTeam alliance.

The integration also extends to the cargo sector. Lufthansa Cargo and ITA Airways are intensifying their collaboration, with the first joint offerings for freight customers becoming available on select routes this summer.

Conclusion


Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, expressed enthusiasm about the integration. “Now that ITA Airways has become a member of our airline family a few days ago, we want to push ahead with the merger quickly.”

“ITA and its passengers, as well as the guests of our other passenger airlines, will quickly benefit from the advantages of an expanded Lufthansa Group. We are also confident that ITA Airways will realize a profit as early as this year.”

“All in all, we are convinced that today, the start of the integration of the airline into the Lufthansa Group, marks the beginning of a joint success story for customers, employees and shareholders of ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group.”

This integration marks a significant step forward for both airlines, promising enhanced travel experiences and a stronger, more competitive presence in the global aviation landscape.

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