January 2025 saw the Lufthansa Group conclude one of the most hotly anticipated business deals in the recent history of European commercial aviation, as the company finalized a 41% stake in Italian flag carrier ITA Airways.

The full integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group is already underway, with the Italian carrier also set to join Star Alliance in 2026.

Lufthansa Group remains a minority shareholder in Italy’s national carrier, but it’s already leveraging the benefits of its 41% stake.

DALLAS — Lufthansa Group has formally begun integrating ITA Airways (AZ) into its network, offering passengers immediate benefits. The first steps in the merger are combining frequent flyer programs, terminal changes, mutual lounge access, and an increase in codeshare agreements.

A press conference was held today with the top management of ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group. ITA was represented by its President, Sandro Pappalardo, CEO Joerg Eberhart, and board members; Lufthansa was joined by Group CEO,

With the completion of Lufthansa Group’s investment in ITA Airways, passengers will soon feel the benefits of the integration, such as the use of frequent flyer

Lufthansa Group has begun integrating ITA Airways after acquiring a 41% stake, starting with loyalty programmes and moving to share codes on routes. ITA loyalty members can now earn miles on Lufthansa Group flights,

The Lufthansa Group has begun its commercial integration with Italian carrier ITA Airways. The move follows Lufthansa's finalized purchase of 41% of ITA last month for 325 million euros and ITA's formal entry into the Lufthansa Group, where it joined fellow network carriers Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels.

There is scope for further consolidation in the European airline sector, the chief executive of Germany's Lufthansa said on Monday, having just bought a 41% stake in Italy's state-owned ITA. "We have too many airlines in Europe.