ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance

Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.

Milestone:
ITA Airways has officially become the 26th member of Star Alliance, completing its integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.

Ceremony:
Held at Rome Fiumicino Airport’s Piazza di Spagna Lounge, attended by ITA CEO Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group CCO Dieter Vranckx.

Network impact:
- Effective April 1, 2026, ITA connects its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport with 1,150+ destinations worldwide.
- Adds 350 daily flights and strengthens connectivity across Italy, Europe, and Southern Europe’s links to global markets.

Customer benefits:
- Through check-in across member airlines.
- Reciprocal frequent flyer recognition (earn/redeem miles).
- Lounge access, priority services, and baggage tracking.
- Star Alliance Gold customers gain access to ITA lounges in Rome, Milan, and Catania.

Leadership remarks:
- Theo Panagiotoulias (Star Alliance CEO): Welcomed ITA, highlighting expanded network and enhanced customer experience.
- Joerg Eberhart (ITA CEO): Called it a “historic milestone,” combining Italian identity with global standards.
- Dieter Vranckx (Lufthansa Group CCO): Praised collaboration, noting ITA’s role as a hub airline within Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance.

Ownership:
ITA Airways is 59% owned by Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Commitment:
Strong focus on digitization, sustainability, and customer service, with a modern fleet to reduce environmental impact.

✨ This move firmly positions ITA Airways as Italy’s global flag carrier, giving passengers seamless access to Star Alliance’s 17,500 daily flights across 190+ countries.