ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, officially exited the SkyTeam Alliance on February 3, marking the beginning of its integration into the Lufthansa Group network. This shift comes as part of a strategic move to align more closely with the German airline giant, following Lufthansa’s acquisition of a majority stake in ITA Airways in 2021.
The departure from SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that includes major carriers such as Delta, Air France, and KLM, is a significant step in ITA Airways’ rebranding and restructuring process. As the airline transitions to becoming part of the Lufthansa Group, which also includes other well-known carriers like Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines, the focus is now on building stronger ties with the group’s extensive network, especially within Europe and long-haul markets.
The move to Lufthansa’s network offers ITA Airways access to a broader range of destinations, seamless connections, and shared resources within one of Europe’s largest airline alliances, the Star Alliance. It is expected to provide the Italian carrier with enhanced operational efficiencies and the ability to better serve both domestic and international passengers.
For passengers, this shift means that ITA Airways will no longer offer the benefits associated with SkyTeam membership, such as reciprocal frequent flyer programs, access to lounges, and coordinated schedules with other SkyTeam carriers. However, these benefits will be replaced by those offered within the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, allowing travelers to enjoy similar perks while flying with ITA Airways or any other member carrier.
The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group is part of a broader consolidation trend within the European aviation market, where carriers are increasingly aligning with larger global networks to improve competitiveness and streamline operations. Lufthansa Group’s decision to bring ITA Airways into its fold is also viewed as a strategic move to strengthen its position in the Italian market and expand its reach, leveraging ITA’s existing routes and infrastructure.
As ITA Airways officially begins its integration into the Lufthansa Group, the airline will continue to operate independently for now, but the long-term plan includes closer operational coordination and possible shared services, including codesharing and fleet management. The airline will also continue to modernize its fleet, with new aircraft being introduced to improve service and operational efficiency.
This shift away from SkyTeam and into the Lufthansa Group marks a new chapter for ITA Airways as it navigates its transition from being Italy’s former flag carrier Alitalia to a modern, efficient airline within a powerful global network. The move will likely have a significant impact on both the airline’s operations and its passengers, bringing new opportunities for growth and connectivity.