Lufthansa is set to increase its ownership in ITA Airways to 90pc by mid-2026, following a current 41pc stake obtained in 2025.
The acquisition, valued at €325m, allowed ITA to become Lufthansa’s fifth network airline. Discussions are underway to accelerate majority control with Italy’s economy ministry, potentially finalising by June 2026. ITA is expected to join the Star Alliance by early 2026, enhancing connectivity from key hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and Rome.
The impending takeover is a vital move for consolidating operations and expanding Lufthansa’s Mediterranean presence amid industry pressures.
Carsten Spohr shared, “the focus is on making ITA profitable from 2025 onwards through synergies in network planning, IT, and finance. The timeline remains on track despite earlier statements. The partnership is viewed as a catalyst for ITA’s growth since its inception in 2021.”
