European Commission approves acquisition of ITA Airways by Lufthansa Group

Strategic integration

Improved connectivity

Lufthansa plans to rapidly integrate ITA Airways into its multi-hub, multi-airline and multi-brand system, while maintaining the ITA Airways brand. This integration will leverage synergies in worldwide sales, frequent flyer programs and aircraft and fuel purchasing, increasing ITA Airways’ economic stability and operational efficiency.

Market development

Italy will become the fifth home market for Lufthansa Group, significantly increasing the Group’s presence in Europe. With Rome-Fiumicino set to become the sixth hub for Lufthansa Group, the integration will create over 1,000 new transfer options, strengthening connections to South America, North Africa and the Middle East.

Financial and operational details

Investments and future acquisitions

The acquisition involves a capital contribution of €325 million, agreed in May 2023. Lufthansa’s options to acquire the remaining shares in ITA Airways from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will be exercisable from 2025 at the earliest.

Operational cooperation

Following the transaction, ITA Airways routes will be connected to the Lufthansa network via code sharing, providing customers with seamless travel options. ITA Airways intends to join Star Alliance, and harmonized commercial processes, IT systems and purchasing processes will be implemented quickly.

Management Statements

Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr

“The approval from Brussels is excellent news for ITA Airways and Lufthansa, and especially for all passengers flying to and from Italy. We look forward to welcoming ITA Airways and its outstanding employees as a new member of our airline family very soon.”

Harmonizing efforts

Spohr emphasized the strategic benefits, stating: “Despite the comprehensive and far-reaching concessions, the investment in ITA Airways strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s position in global competition. We will make ITA Airways a strong and successful part of our company and thereby secure its future as an international airline and a strong brand.”

Competitive concessions

European Commission Terms and Conditions

To gain approval, Lufthansa and ITA Airways agreed to a package of concessions, including the transfer of slots at Milan Linate Airport to a competitor for short-haul traffic. This competitor will also take over some routes on which the two airlines currently compete, providing better competition on long-haul routes from Rome to North America.

General Information about ITA Airways

A modern fleet and an extensive network

Founded in November 2020 and operational since October 2021, ITA Airways employs around 4,860 people and operates a fleet of 96 Airbus aircraft. The airline serves 69 destinations and carried almost 15 million passengers last year. Its Rome hub provides an ideal base for expanding connections to Africa and Latin America.