ITA Airways joins Star Alliance | News
Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, completing the Italian airline’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.
ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance at a ceremony in the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Terminal 3 of Rome Fiumicino Airport. The ceremony was chaired by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.
From April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected to the Alliance’s global network, connecting Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate Airport, jointly served by 17 Star Alliance members, to more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers traveling through the network can now benefit from check-in, mutual frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience both within and outside Italy.
Celebrating this milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am pleased to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we are not only expanding our network to and from Italy, but also enhancing our customers’ connected experience when traveling with multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, expanded loyalty benefits and other benefits such as baggage tracking – all designed to improve the journey every step of the way.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we are significantly expanding our international reach and offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high-quality travel experience, with access to more than 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium offering. At the same time, we are joining Star Alliance and bringing our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the alliance and strengthening ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy to the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”
The introduction of ITA Airways into the alliance was overseen by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams from all the group’s airlines have enabled an intensive integration program in recent months.
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said: “Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as a full-fledged hub airline in the Lufthansa Group and in the Alliance, expanding the options for travelers across Europe and the world. Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group unlock a joint value proposition where our customers, our partners and the Star Alliance ecosystem.”
ITA Airways, which serves more than 16 million customers annually, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional presence. The addition expands travel options in Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.
As part of membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, access to lounges within the Alliance network and mutual recognition of the frequent flyer program, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania.
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now includes 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning more than 190 countries.
