ITA Airways to Join Star Alliance: A New Era for Italy’s National Carrier

Exciting news is in the air as ITA Airways has officially begun its journey towards joining the prestigious Star Alliance network. Following a unanimous decision by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB), this marks a significant leap for the Italian national carrier. Building on its recent induction into the Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways is poised to become a full member of the world’s largest airline alliance by early 2026.

Strengthening Global Connections

The inclusion of ITA Airways into Star Alliance will add 360 daily flights to the network, further enhancing the Alliance’s reach in Europe and beyond. The airline’s home cities, Rome and Milan, are set to become even more vital hubs, complementing the services of 16 existing Star Alliance members that already serve these cities. This strategic integration positions ITA Airways as a key player in offering seamless, connected journeys across the globe.

Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating: “The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

Lufthansa Group’s Mentorship

Leveraging the expertise of its new parent company, ITA Airways will receive mentorship from the Lufthansa Group throughout its onboarding process. Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group, expressed confidence in ITA Airways’ future role within Star Alliance: “ITA Airways’ membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio.”

Bringing ‘Made in Italy’ to the Skies

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, shared his excitement: “We are thrilled to join the Star Alliance network and bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This marks a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth.”

From world-class service to expanding routes, ITA Airways’ integration is set to offer passengers unparalleled travel experiences. Travellers can look forward to the future privileges and enhanced connectivity that come with being part of the Star Alliance family.

A Growing Alliance

Once ITA Airways completes its induction, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering an astounding 18,000 daily flights and connecting passengers to 192 countries. This development signifies not only a strengthened partnership but also a brighter, more interconnected future for global aviation. As ITA Airways takes flight into this transformative chapter, one thing is certain—Italy’s skies have never looked more promisin