ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier, has formally exited the SkyTeam alliance and announced its intention to join the Star Alliance by early 2026, which signals a significant strategic shift following its integration into the Lufthansa Group. The airline announced its departure from SkyTeam during its first press conference of 2025 held in Rome on February 3.
This transition, effective April 30, 2025, follows the closing of the transaction that saw Lufthansa acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways. The remaining 59% is still owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. ITA Airways will continue to work with some SkyTeam member airlines through bilateral agreements.
A key element of this new chapter is the integration of ITA Airways’ loyalty program, Volare, with Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More. This partnership, effective immediately, allows the 2.7 million Volare members to earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Conversely, the 36 million Miles & More members can now enjoy the same benefits on ITA Airways flights.
Starting March 30, 2025, ITA Airways passengers will gain access to approximately 130 Lufthansa Group lounges, while Lufthansa Group passengers will have access to ITA Airways lounges. ITA Airways will also move its operations to Lufthansa Group terminals at Frankfurt and Munich airports. Codeshare agreements between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group carriers will be implemented. Furthermore, flights between Lufthansa Group hubs and ITA Airways’ primary airports will be harmonized.
“Today we are announcing the first commercial initiatives dedicated to our passengers, who will begin benefiting from synergies with the Lufthansa Group,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways. “Starting today with the partnership between Volare and Miles & More, we will continue in the coming months with additional benefits such as lounges access and codeshare flights.”
Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, expressed his confidence in the airline’s future under the Lufthansa Group umbrella. “I am confident that the airline will soon achieve its goals and offer passengers and the country greater connectivity and recognition worldwide,” he stated.
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