ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo) represents the rebirth of Italy’s national aviation presence. As the successor to the historic Alitalia, ITA has quickly established itself as Italy’s flag carrier while navigating the complex landscape of European aviation. With a growing network, fleet modernization plans, and a new strategic partnership with the Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways is positioning itself for a competitive future in global air travel.
History
ITA Airways was founded in 2020 as a direct successor to Alitalia, Italy’s longtime flag carrier that had been in operation since 1946. After years of financial struggles and failed restructuring attempts, Alitalia finally ceased operations on October 14, 2021, with ITA Airways officially launching operations the very next day, on October 15, 2021.
The transition from Alitalia to ITA was part of a carefully orchestrated plan by the Italian government to create a more financially sustainable national airline. ITA started with a more streamlined operation than its predecessor, taking over only selected assets from Alitalia rather than inheriting all of its financial burdens. The new airline began with 52 aircraft transferred from Alitalia, including Airbus A319s, A320s, and A330s.
From the beginning, ITA Airways was designed to be a more agile and cost-effective operation. The Italian government, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, was the sole initial owner, but the plan always included finding strategic partners for future development.
In its first year of operation, ITA carried approximately 9 million passengers, gradually rebuilding the route network that Alitalia had maintained. The airline joined the SkyTeam alliance on October 29, 2021, preserving some of the global connectivity that Alitalia had established.
A significant milestone in ITA’s young history came in January 2025 when the Lufthansa Group acquired a 41% stake in the airline, making ITA Airways the fifth network airline in the Lufthansa Group, alongside Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. This strategic partnership set the stage for ITA’s future growth and integration into one of Europe’s largest airline groups.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2020 (operations began October 15, 2021)
- Full Name: Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A.
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Ownership: Ministry of Economy and Finance (59%), Lufthansa Group (41%)
- CEO: Jörg Eberhart
- IATA/ICAO Codes: AZ/ITY
- Frequent Flyer Program: Volare
- Alliance: Transitioning from SkyTeam to Star Alliance (full membership expected in 2026)
- Annual Passengers: Approximately 9 million (first full year of operation)
- Fleet Size: 99 aircraft (as of early 2025)
- Destinations: 73 across Italy, Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America
- Official Website: ita-airways.com
Fleet
ITA Airways operates a diverse fleet that continues to evolve as the airline implements its modernization strategy. The airline has committed to maintaining an all-Airbus fleet for efficiency and operational simplicity.
As of early 2025, ITA’s fleet consists of 99 aircraft, including 22 wide-body and 77 narrow-body planes. The current fleet includes:
- Airbus A319-100: Used primarily for short-haul domestic and European routes
- Airbus A320-200: The backbone of the airline’s short and medium-haul operations
- Airbus A321-200: Deployed on higher-capacity routes within Europe
- Airbus A330-200: Currently serving long-haul international destinations
- Airbus A350-900: The newest addition to the fleet, serving premium long-haul routes
ITA Airways has ambitious fleet renewal plans. In 2021, the airline signed agreements with Airbus for 28 new aircraft, including A220s, A320neos, A321neos, and A330neos. Additionally, agreements with leasing companies will bring the total of new aircraft to 56.
The airline has specifically earmarked the Airbus A321neo for long-haul destinations in the Middle East (such as Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Cairo) and Central Africa (including Dakar and Accra), leveraging the extended range capabilities of these efficient single-aisle aircraft.
According to ITA’s strategic plan, around 90% of the fleet will consist of new, environmentally friendly aircraft by 2025, consuming 25% less fuel and emitting fewer CO? emissions, positioning ITA to become one of Europe’s greenest airlines.
Hubs and Network
ITA Airways operates from two primary locations in Italy:
Main Hub:
- Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome: Serves as the airline’s primary hub and the departure point for all intercontinental flights since January 2024
Focus City:
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Serves as an important base for domestic and European flights, particularly business routes
As of November 2024, ITA Airways serves 73 destinations across Italy, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. The airline plans to expand to 74 destinations and operate 89 routes by the end of 2025.
The domestic network provides extensive coverage of Italy, connecting major cities and tourist destinations including Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Catania, Palermo, and many others.
International destinations span across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, and the Americas. Key international destinations include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York, Boston, Miami, Tokyo, Delhi, and São Paulo, among others.
Through its codeshare agreements with numerous partner airlines, ITA Airways extends its reach to many more destinations worldwide. These partnerships have been evolving with the airline’s transition from SkyTeam to Star Alliance, which will ultimately connect ITA passengers to one of the world’s largest airline alliance networks.
Contact Information
General Inquiries and Reservations:
- Telephone (Italy): 800 936090
- Telephone (International): +39 06 85960020
- Email: customer@ita-airways.com
Head Office: ITA Airways Viale dell’Arte, 68 00144 Rome Italy
Social Media:
- Facebook: @ITAAirways
- Twitter/X: @ITAAirways
- Instagram: @itaairways
- LinkedIn: @ita-airways
Customer Support Hours: 24/7
For specific inquiries about baggage, special assistance, or frequent flyer program, customers are directed to the airline’s official website or customer service hotline.
Future of ITA Airways
The future of ITA Airways is closely tied to its integration into the Lufthansa Group, which began in January 2025 with Lufthansa’s acquisition of a 41% stake in the airline. This partnership has set in motion several key developments that will shape ITA’s trajectory in the coming years.
Lufthansa Integration
The integration with Lufthansa represents a multi-phase process that will continue through 2026 and beyond. Lufthansa has options to increase its stake in ITA to 90% by 2029, and potentially acquire the remaining 10% thereafter, making ITA a wholly-owned subsidiary.
The immediate benefits of this partnership began to take effect in early 2025:
- On February 3, 2025, ITA Airways began its withdrawal from the SkyTeam alliance, with a transition period ending April 30, 2025
- ITA Airways is planned to join Star Alliance in the first half of 2026
- Effective February 3, 2025, members of Lufthansa’s Miles & More program can earn and redeem miles on all ITA Airways flights, while ITA’s Volare members can similarly earn and redeem points on Lufthansa Group flights
- Starting March 30, 2025, ITA Airways relocated to Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport and Terminal 2 at Munich Airport to facilitate smoother connections with other Lufthansa Group flights
- The lounge networks of ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group have been gradually harmonized, giving passengers access to additional premium facilities
Codeshare agreements between ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group airlines have been implemented on over 100 routes across Europe, with further expansion planned throughout 2025.
Fleet and Network Expansion
ITA Airways’ strategic plan envisions continued fleet modernization and network expansion:
- The airline plans to expand its seat capacity to approximately 21.5 million by 2025
- New aircraft deliveries will continue through 2025-2027, with a particular focus on next-generation fuel-efficient models
- The A321neo will enable expansion into new markets in the Middle East and Africa
- Rome Fiumicino Airport will be developed as the Lufthansa Group’s sixth hub and its southernmost European gateway
- Coordinated flight schedules between Lufthansa Group hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels) and ITA Airways hubs (Rome, Milan) will provide increased connectivity and travel options
Sustainability Goals
Environmental responsibility forms a core part of ITA Airways’ future strategy:
- The airline aims to upgrade approximately 90% of its fleet to environmentally friendly aircraft by 2025
- New generation aircraft are expected to consume 25% less fuel and emit fewer CO? emissions
- ITA Airways has stated its goal to become “the greenest airline company in Europe”
- The airline is investing in sustainable aviation fuels and more efficient operational practices
Financial Outlook
After a challenging start in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ITA Airways is working toward financial sustainability:
- The Lufthansa Group has expressed confidence that ITA Airways could realize a profit as early as 2025
- The airline continues to face seasonal challenges, typical of European carriers, with stronger performance in summer months
- Integration synergies with the Lufthansa Group are expected to deliver cost efficiencies and revenue opportunities
- The airline’s strategic positioning in Italy provides access to one of Europe’s largest tourism markets
Through these strategic initiatives, ITA Airways aims to overcome the historical challenges that plagued its predecessor while leveraging Italy’s strong tourism appeal and its new place within one of Europe’s largest airline groups. As the aviation industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, ITA Airways is positioning itself as a competitive player in the European airline landscape, carrying forward Italy’s long aviation heritage with a more sustainable business model.
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