Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., commonly known as ITA Airways, stands today as a revitalized symbol of Italian aviation. Emerging from the ashes of the storied but financially troubled Alitalia, ITA Airways has rapidly transformed itself into a sleek, modern flag carrier with international ambition, strategic partnerships, and bold leadership. With a strategic hub in Rome–Fiumicino and a clear growth trajectory shaped by Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways is rewriting the narrative of Italian commercial aviation.
A Strategic Rebirth: From Alitalia to ITA Airways
Alitalia’s collapse in 2020, amid mounting debts and the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the Italian government to act swiftly. What followed was a determined effort to establish a leaner, more competitive national airline. ITA Airways was officially founded on 11 November 2020 and commenced operations on 15 October 2021. Unlike Alitalia’s bloated legacy, ITA started from the ground up with streamlined operations, restructured ownership, and a forward-looking fleet strategy.
Initial funding plans included a €220 million acquisition of key Alitalia assets, such as Heathrow slots, flight codes, and its MilleMiglia loyalty program. Yet, in a twist shaped by European Commission intervention, ITA had to undergo a public tender process, ensuring fair competition and distancing itself legally and financially from its predecessor.
Operational Momentum and Strategic Expansion
In its first full year (2022), ITA Airways demonstrated resilience and rapid scaling. It carried over 9 million passengers, building credibility with customers who once doubted the viability of a new Italian airline. The strategy focused on strengthening its Rome–Fiumicino hub and Milan–Linate as a focus city, targeting key European and intercontinental markets.
By 2024, ITA Airways operated flights to 73 destinations, a number expected to rise to 74 by 2025, including the recently resumed Rome–Zakynthos route. The carrier’s growing global footprint is underpinned by an impressive codeshare network spanning 40+ international airlines, from Delta and Air France to Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa. In parallel, interline agreements with Qantas, Trenitalia, Virgin Atlantic, and others have further enhanced its connectivity.
Financial Turnaround and Growth Indicators
The airline’s revenue trajectory has been remarkable, leaping from €90 million in 2021 to €3.1 billion in 2024. Passenger numbers climbed from 1.3 million in 2021 to a solid 18 million in 2024, while the load factor reached 81%, reflecting strong capacity utilization.
Most notably, ITA Airways turned a €3 million net profit in 2024, marking a crucial turning point that signals operational viability and investor confidence. The airline’s financials are no longer anchored to state bailouts but are increasingly shaped by commercial discipline and partnership synergies.
The Lufthansa Group Partnership: A Game-Changing Alliance
A defining moment came in May 2023, when Lufthansa Group acquired a 41% stake in ITA Airways, valued at approximately €325 million. The European Commission formally approved the acquisition on 3 July 2024, and the deal was finalized on 17 January 2025. This strategic investment gives Lufthansa the option to increase its stake up to 100% by 2029, providing ITA with unparalleled access to capital, route networks, and operational expertise.
Under Lufthansa’s guidance, ITA is now consolidating operations via Frankfurt and Munich, aligning itself with a wider European hub strategy. These synergies are expected to improve fleet deployment, ticketing efficiency, and frequent flyer loyalty options across Lufthansa Group subsidiaries.
Fleet Modernization: All-Airbus Efficiency
ITA Airways maintains a strictly all-Airbus fleet of 99 aircraft as of April 2025, emphasizing fuel efficiency and standardization. The fleet includes:
- A220-100/300
- A319-100 (phasing out)
- A320-200 and A320neo
- A321neo
- A330-200 and A330-900neo
- A350-900
The airline is progressively replacing older A319s and A330-200s with more modern A220 and A330neo variants. This strategy supports lower operating costs, reduces emissions, and enhances the passenger experience. Notably, aircraft are named after Italian athletes, aligning with national pride and sports heritage.
Visual Identity and Branding Strategy
ITA Airways has established a distinct visual identity through its pearlescent Italian-blue fuselage, accented by white engines and a red-and-white logo. The tricolor tail design pays homage to Italy’s national colors, and the airline now proudly uses the slogan “Inspired by Alitalia”, adopted in September 2024.
This brand positioning cleverly links the carrier to Alitalia’s legacy while signaling a new chapter. The acquisition of the Alitalia brand for €90 million in 2022 secured this symbolic connection and protected the new carrier’s market recognition.
A lawsuit filed in October 2023 against AeroItalia, over alleged branding imitation, underscores ITA’s proactive brand protection strategy.
Alliance Realignment and Loyalty Programs
Initially a SkyTeam member from October 2021 to April 2025, ITA Airways is transitioning to Star Alliance in the first half of 2026. This shift reflects the deepening Lufthansa relationship and unlocks better interoperability with other Star Alliance carriers such as Singapore Airlines, United, and ANA.
As of 3 February 2025, ITA exited SkyTeam and began loyalty integration with Lufthansa’s Miles & More, providing reciprocal benefits across Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Its Volare program remains active, now positioned as a feeder into the broader Miles & More ecosystem.
Corporate Affairs and Strategic Governance
The company operates out of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) headquarters in Rome, with the Italian government holding 59% of shares and Lufthansa Group 41%. This hybrid public-private ownership ensures accountability while allowing ITA to benefit from Lufthansa’s scale and commercial discipline.
Joerg Eberhart, formerly of Lufthansa Group’s regional divisions, now leads ITA as CEO. His leadership is viewed as a bridge between German operational excellence and Italian service culture, critical to winning loyalty in both European and long-haul markets.
Safety Record and Incident Review
ITA Airways has maintained a clean operational safety record, with the exception of one notable incident. On 17 June 2022, Flight 611, an A330-200, collided with an Air France 777-200ER at JFK Airport. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the event remains under investigation, serving as a prompt for internal safety reviews and procedural audits.
Future Outlook: Toward Continental and Global Leadership
With a modern fleet, robust backing from Lufthansa, and a profitable trajectory, ITA Airways is well-positioned to evolve from a regional leader into a continental force in air travel. The transition to Star Alliance, deeper European integration, and growing long-haul connectivity with the Americas, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific suggest an ambitious forward path.
Furthermore, ITA’s digital transformation agenda—ranging from improved online booking systems to AI-driven customer support—signals a focus on technological modernization. Sustainability goals are also on the horizon, with Airbus’ newer-generation aircraft and future SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) adoption likely to play a role.
Conclusion: An Italian Renaissance in the Sky
ITA Airways is more than just Alitalia’s successor—it is a dynamic enterprise engineered for 21st-century aviation. From its all-Airbus fleet and financial turnaround to strategic alliances and visual rebranding, ITA represents the emergence of a competitive, service-driven airline on the global stage. Its fusion of Italian identity and German efficiency may well be the formula that secures its long-term success.
As Lufthansa increases its influence and ITA aligns with Star Alliance, Italy once again claims its seat at the table of global aviation powerhouses, this time with a stronger foundation and a bolder vision.
