Lufthansa 'likely' to boost stake in Italy's ITA Airways: Spohr

Lufthansa 'likely' to boost stake in Italy's ITA Airways: Spohr

Deutsche Lufthansa AG has finalized a 41% stake in Italy’s ITA Airways through a €325 million capital increase, marking the Italian carrier’s integration into the Lufthansa Group as its fifth network airline according to company announcement. The transaction, approved by the European Commission in November 2024 and other non-EU competition authorities, allows Lufthansa to pursue options for acquiring the remaining 59% held by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance as reported. CEO Carsten Spohr emphasized the strategic significance of the move, stating it strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s position as Europe’s leading aviation entity while enhancing connectivity for passengers in a statement.

ITA Airways, established in 2021 as Alitalia’s successor, operates a fleet of 99 Airbus aircraft, including 22 long-haul models, serving nearly 70 global destinations. In 2024, it carried approximately 18 million passengers. The airline’s hubs at Rome Fiumicino (a Skytrax 5-star airport) and Milan-Linate will expand Lufthansa’s footprint in southern Europe, with Italy now designated as a “home market”—the group’s second-largest international market after the U.S. according to analysis.

Collaborative initiatives, including loyalty program integration (Volare and Miles & More), codeshare agreements, and planned Star Alliance membership, are expected to benefit customers starting with the summer 2025 flight schedule as detailed. Leadership changes include Joerg Eberhart as CEO and Lorenza Maggio as Chief Strategy and Integration Officer, both appointed to oversee ITA’s integration into the Lufthansa Group in official appointments. Spohr noted that further details will be disclosed following a February 2025 press conference in Rome as announced.

The transaction underscores Lufthansa’s strategy to consolidate its European network amid industry-wide consolidation trends according to Reuters.