Star Alliance has officially welcomed ITA Airways as its 26th member, completing a fast‑tracked integration that positions Italy’s national airline at the heart of the world’s largest global airline network.
The milestone was marked during a ceremony at Rome Fiumicino Airport’s Piazza di Spagna Lounge, where executives from ITA Airways, Star Alliance and the Lufthansa Group gathered alongside media and institutional guests to celebrate a partnership designed to reshape connectivity to and from Italy.
A Strategic Step Into the Global Stage
From April 1, ITA Airways becomes fully embedded within Star Alliance’s global ecosystem, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate operations with more than 1,150 destinations served collectively by member airlines.
The move instantly elevates the carrier’s international reach and strengthens its competitive position across Europe and beyond.
For travellers, the benefits are immediate. Through check‑in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to Star Alliance lounges now apply across ITA Airways’ network.
As the press release notes, customers can expect “a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy,” supported by integrated services and smoother connections across the alliance.
Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias described the moment as the culmination of a focused, collaborative effort.
“With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers,” he said, highlighting the alliance’s extensive lounge network, loyalty benefits and enhanced baggage tracking capabilities.
Italian Identity Meets Global Scale
For ITA Airways, the move represents both a symbolic and operational turning point. CEO Joerg Eberhart called the membership “a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth,” emphasising the dual ambition of expanding global access while preserving the airline’s distinctive national character.
The carrier enters the alliance with a clear intention to blend Italian hospitality with global standards of service.
As Eberhart put it, ITA aims to “combine global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”
This positioning aligns with the airline’s broader strategy of modernising its brand while reinforcing its role as Italy’s primary international gateway.
Lufthansa Group’s Pivotal Role in the Star Alliance-ITA Airways Partnership
ITA Airways’ integration into Star Alliance has been closely mentored by the Lufthansa Group, which is progressing toward a strategic investment in the Italian carrier.
Over recent months, expert teams across Lufthansa’s airlines have supported an intensive alignment programme to ensure ITA meets the alliance’s operational and digital standards.
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, underscored the collaborative effort behind the transition.
“The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance,” he said.
He added that ITA’s entry strengthens the group’s European network and unlocks new value for customers and partners across the alliance.
The partnership also positions ITA Airways as a fully fledged hub carrier within the Lufthansa ecosystem, a move expected to deepen commercial synergies and expand long‑term connectivity between Italy, Central Europe and key intercontinental markets.
ITA Airways & Star Alliance: Expanded Connectivity Across Italy and Beyond
With more than 16 million annual passengers and over 350 daily flights, ITA Airways brings a significant domestic and regional footprint into Star Alliance.
Its addition enhances travel options across Italy’s major cities and secondary markets, while improving links between Southern Europe and destinations in the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Star Alliance Gold customers will now gain access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania, further strengthening the alliance’s premium offering in the region.
Eligible ITA passengers will also enjoy priority services and full mileage earning and redemption across all member airlines.
For Star Alliance, the inclusion of ITA Airways reinforces its presence in a strategically important market.
Italy remains one of Europe’s largest aviation hubs, and the alliance’s expanded footprint positions it strongly against competing networks.
With the latest addition, Star Alliance now spans more than 17,500 daily flights across 190 countries.
A New Era for Italy’s National Airline
ITA Airways’ entry into Star Alliance marks a decisive moment in the carrier’s evolution.
After launching in 2021 to replace Alitalia, the airline has sought to rebuild Italy’s global aviation presence through fleet renewal, network expansion and strategic partnerships.
Joining the world’s largest airline alliance signals confidence in its long‑term trajectory and provides the structural support needed to accelerate its growth.
For travellers, the integration promises a more connected, consistent and premium experience.
For Italy, it represents a renewed commitment to positioning the country at the centre of global air travel.
And for Star Alliance, it strengthens a network built on collaboration, scale and shared ambition.
ITA Airways now steps into a new era, one defined by global reach, alliance‑driven value and a distinctly Italian approach to service that aims to set a new benchmark for the country’s flag carrier.
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