Germany’s Lufthansa Group has officially closed a deal to acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier. This move marks a significant step in Lufthansa’s expansion strategy in Europe, bringing it closer to its goal of gaining full control of the airline by 2033. The agreement, finalized after months of negotiations, will allow Lufthansa to have a substantial influence on the operations and future direction of ITA Airways.
The 41% acquisition gives Lufthansa a strategic position in the Italian airline market, strengthening its presence in Southern Europe and offering potential synergies with its existing operations across the continent. Lufthansa, which already owns a strong portfolio of European carriers, including Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Brussels Airlines, aims to integrate ITA Airways into its wider network. The deal is seen as a move to consolidate Lufthansa’s position as one of Europe’s leading airline groups.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lufthansa has the option to acquire the remaining 59% of ITA Airways in the coming years, with plans for full integration by 2033. This gradual acquisition approach allows Lufthansa to manage the integration process while also benefiting from ITA’s existing operations and customer base.
The acquisition is expected to enhance Lufthansa’s competitive edge, particularly in Italy, one of Europe’s largest aviation markets. ITA Airways, which took over from the former Alitalia, has been in the process of stabilizing its operations and improving its financial performance since its formation. Lufthansa’s investment is seen as a key element in accelerating this recovery and boosting the airline’s growth prospects in the coming years.
The partnership will also enable Lufthansa to better compete with other major European airline groups, such as Air France-KLM and IAG, in the highly competitive European and international aviation markets. With the deal now closed, Lufthansa Group is poised to make further strategic moves as it continues to expand its global footprint.