ITA Airways Business Plan to focus on growth and Lufthansa integration

Network and Fleet Expansion

A central focus of the plan is on growing long-haul operations out of Rome Fiumicino. ITA Airways will launch new intercontinental routes to North and South America, Asia, and Africa—markets with strong potential for inbound tourism and business development. According to various reports, ITA targets new services to Abidjan, Lagos, Mumbai, Osaka-Kansai and Singapore in the near future. The carrier recently announced to fly twice weekly to Mauritius from November 7, 2025 in an Airbus A330neo.

The carrier will also strengthen regional connectivity within Europe and the Mediterranean through new partnerships and commercial agreements.

The airline’s fleet renewal will continue. It prioritizes fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft. Starting in 2026, ITA Airways will add one new long-haul aircraft each year. The entire modernization of its fleet—expected to average around 100 aircraft—should happen in 2030. Consequently, aligning with EU sustainability goals and the phaseout of ETS (Emissions Trading System) free allowances.

Lufthansa Group Integration and Global Alliances

A major pillar of the strategy is deeper integration with the Lufthansa Group, the world’s fourth-largest airline group. The collaboration is expected to drive commercial, operational, and technological synergies. ITA Airways is set to fully join Star Alliance in early 2026. The airline plans to participate in joint ventures on transatlantic and Europe-Japan routes, pending regulatory approvals.

These alliances will expand ITA’s global reach and enhance service continuity for travelers. Loyalty program integration between ITA’s Volare and Lufthansa’s Miles & More, plus broader code-share agreements, will offer customers greater flexibility and benefits.

Joerg Eberhart, ITA Airways’ CEO and General Manager, called the plan a “major milestone” for the airline. “Through network expansion, next-generation technologies, global partnerships, and service excellence, we aim to make ITA Airways the preferred choice for travelers to and from Italy by 2030—creating jobs and economic value for the air transport sector.”