Lufthansa Gains Control of ITA Airways: What This Means for Italy’s Flag Carrier
With this transaction, ITA Airways is part of the Lufthansa Group and becomes its fifth network airline
January 17, 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s long-anticipated acquisition of ITA Airways is taking shape with the transfer of €325 million into the Italian flag carrier’s bank account, securing the German airline a 41 percent ownership stake.
As first reported by Corriere della Sera journalist and aviation expert Leonard Berberi, Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will retain control of the remaining 59 percent.
This capital injection, finalized just hours before the newly appointed board of directors convened its first meeting, strengthens ITA’s financial position and accelerates its integration into Lufthansa’s operational framework.

Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
The German group’s total investment is expected to reach €829 million in multiple phases, with the ultimate goal of full ownership.
Alongside the financial transaction, ITA Airways has undergone a major leadership transition, with a newly appointed Board of Directors now overseeing the airline’s next chapter under Lufthansa’s influence.
New CEO Takes Charge
With Lufthansa now embedded in ITA’s future, the airline has restructured its leadership, appointing a new five-member Board of Directors, along with a new CEO: Jörg Eberhart, who was the former CEO of Air Dolomiti, an Italian regional carrier that is part of the Lufthansa Group.
“I am proud and honored to take on this prestigious role,” said Eberhart. “After more than two years of hard work, this new phase in the company’s history will allow us to strengthen our position and develop strategic synergies that will enhance ITA Airways’ growth and stability as Italy’s leading carrier.”

Photo: Joerg Eberhart and Lorenza Maggio. Courtesy of Lufthansa
“We are committed to improving connectivity for Italy, offering passengers a wider choice of destinations, and advancing our vision of development, innovation, and sustainability,” he added.
The appointment of Eberhart and the new board faced several hurdles. As Berberi reported, the process—originally scheduled for January 13—was postponed by 48 hours to resolve key governance issues.
A major point of contention, Berberi says, was the division of authority between the Lufthansa-backed CEO and the Italian-appointed chairman. Discussions focused on the control of critical areas such as finance, communications, and human resources—each essential to the airline’s long-term strategy.

Photo: Lufthansa, Airbus A319. Courtesy of Fraport – Frankfurt Airport
After the recent investment, Lufthansa has clearly increased its influence over the Italian carrier. The new CEO, who is well-acquainted with Lufthansa Group’s operations and the Italian airline industry, is joined on the board by Lorenza Maggio, who has substantial experience as Lufthansa’s Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Maggio will assume the position of Chief Strategy and Integration Officer (CSIO), responsible for managing the integration of the Italian airline into the German group and directing its strategic growth. This aligns with Lufthansa’s objective to include ITA Airways in its network while maintaining the distinct brand identity of the Italian carrier.
Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa Group’s CEO, admitted feeling proud to finally welcome ITA Airways to the Lufthansa Group. “I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this, especially in Rome, Brussels, Berlin, and Frankfurt,” he said. “The ITA Airways team has written an impressive success story in recent years and, with great energy, passion, and expertise, has built an airline that is already the pride of an entire nation.”
Integration into Lufthansa’s Network
With ITA Airways now under Lufthansa’s umbrella, the Italian airline joins a portfolio that includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa City, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, and Swiss Air Lines.
The inclusion of ITA Airways solidifies Italy as Lufthansa’s fifth-largest market, significantly contributing to the group’s revenue.

Photo: ITA Airways, Airbus A330-900neo. Courtesy of ITA Airways.
As Spohr told Business Traveler at the IATA AGM in Dubai, Italy is already the company’s second most important market after the United States, thanks to its robust tourism industry and export-driven economy.
Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) will become Lufthansa Group’s sixth and southernmost hub, enhancing connectivity to Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The integration is expected to create over 1,000 new transfer options for passengers.
“Our guests will benefit from an expanded choice of connections and destinations,” said Spohr. “Furthermore, with the establishment of a five-star hub in Rome, we will enhance our premium offering and establish better connections to strategically important future markets south of the equator within our network.”
Transition to Star Alliance
One of the most significant changes for ITA will be its departure from the SkyTeam alliance and transition to Star Alliance, a process expected to take approximately 12 months.
In the interim, ITA Airways will establish codeshare agreements with Lufthansa and other Star Alliance members to strengthen commercial activities and provide passengers with more travel options.

Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance
“We have negotiated the timing and costs of leaving SkyTeam,” said ITA Airways former chairman Antonino Turicchi. “Then we will enter Star Alliance—initiating the codeshare mechanisms as soon as possible, which are fundamental for commercial activity.”
For frequent flyers, Lufthansa says that members of ITA’s loyalty program, Volare, will be able to earn and redeem miles with Miles & More in a few weeks. Additionally, lounges from both airlines will be accessible to all members, enhancing the premium experience for travelers.
CEO’s 100-Day Plan
With Lufthansa’s funding now in place, the new management of ITA Airways is taking swift action. As Berberi reported, CEO Jörg Eberhart has organized a meeting with labor unions—historically one of the greatest hurdles in Italy’s airline sector—for January 23 to deliberate on the airline’s workforce and industrial strategy.

Photo: Courtesy of ITA Airways
The conversation will center around expanding the fleet, developing new routes, and ensuring job security.
The upcoming 100 days will be critical in shaping ITA’s operational strategy within the Lufthansa Group.
A Bright Future for ITA
The merger between ITA Airways and Lufthansa represents a significant strategic shift aimed at enhancing both airlines’ competitiveness and service offerings.
In 2024, ITA maintained a strong market presence, transporting more than 18 million passengers to almost 70 destinations with a strong and modern fleet of 99 aircraft, including long-haul models such as the Airbus A350-900, A330-900neo, and A330-200.

Photo: Business Class, ITA Airways, Airbus A330neo. Courtesy of ITA Airways.
In addition to passenger traffic, Italy’s high-quality manufacturing sector presents strong cargo opportunities, further increasing the value of ITA Airways to the Lufthansa Group.
Moreover, ITA’s workforce of nearly 5,000 employees will contribute to greater diversity within Lufthansa’s corporate culture.
As Carsten Spohr said, Lufthansa’s investment will now “strengthen the Italian and European aviation market and the position of the Lufthansa Group as number one in Europe. Our joint passengers worldwide will benefit from improved offers and optimized connections as early as this upcoming summer flight schedule.”
As the integration unfolds, the long-term outlook for Lufthansa and ITA Airways appears promising. With expanded connectivity, a stronger airline alliance, and improved service offerings, ITA Airways is well positioned for long-term stability and growth under Lufthansa’s leadership.