Italy’s ITA Airways has been granted official approval to commence its integration into Star Alliance, as determined by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Following its earlier inclusion in the Lufthansa Group this year, this decision facilitates its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process is set to proceed at an accelerated pace.
ITA Airways is set to enhance the Alliance network by introducing 360 daily flights, thereby reinforcing the Alliance’s presence in Europe. The most significant expansion will originate from its primary hubs, particularly Rome and Milan, which are already connected by a total of 16 Star Alliance members.
Drawing on its established position within the Alliance, the Lufthansa Group is providing guidance to ITA Airways as it navigates its integration into Star Alliance.
In a statement marking this significant develpment, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “ITA Airways is anticipated to become a full member of the Star Alliance network in early 2026. The decision made by our Chief Executive Board reflects the strong trust our members place in ITA Airways. As a key gateway for Italy, its inclusion will enhance our global network, providing seamless and interconnected travel experiences for more passengers around the world.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are thrilled to join the Star Alliance network and to showcase the excellence of Made in Italy within the alliance, thereby expanding its global presence. This marks a pivotal moment in the growth of ITA Airways, and we eagerly anticipate offering our customers the future benefits of the world’s largest airline network.”
Following the induction process, the Star Alliance network will expand to include 26 member airlines, providing more than 18,000 daily flights that link 192 countries.
“l am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.
Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., operating under the name ITA Airways, serves as Italy’s national airline. It is owned by the Italian government through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, along with the Lufthansa Group.
Established in 2020, ITA Airways emerged as the successor to the defunct Alitalia. The airline offers flights to more than 70 scheduled destinations, encompassing domestic, European, and intercontinental routes. Its primary hub is located at Rome Fiumicino Airport, while Linate Airport in Milan serves as a secondary focus city.
In 2025, ITA Airways began a transition in its alliances; on February 3, the airline concluded its membership in SkyTeam and is set to join Star Alliance in 2026 as part of its integration with the Lufthansa Group.
Star Alliance, based in Frankfurt, Germany, is an airline alliance that was established on May 14, 1997, marking it as the first global airline alliance in history. As of April 2024, it holds the distinction of being the largest airline alliance in the world by market share, commanding 17.4%, in contrast to SkyTeam’s 13.7% and Oneworld’s 11.9%.
The alliance comprises 25 member airlines that collectively operate a fleet exceeding 5,000 aircraft, providing services to over 1,300 airports across 195 countries with more than 19,000 flights daily. Star Alliance features a two-tier rewards program, consisting of Silver and Gold levels, which offer benefits such as priority boarding and upgrades. Similar to other airline alliances, the airlines within Star Alliance often share airport terminals (referred to as co-locations), and many of their aircraft are adorned with the alliance’s distinctive livery.
