Aviation News – The Lufthansa Group has significantly expanded its influence in the European aviation market by increasing its stake in ITA Airways to 90 percent. This strategic move, costing €325 million, grants the German aviation giant full operational control over Italy’s national flag carrier.
This development follows the initial agreement made in January 2025, when the Lufthansa Group—which includes carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and SWISS—purchased an initial 41 percent share. Working closely with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, the parties established a roadmap for this phased takeover to ensure a stable transition for the Alitalia successor.
The deal, finalized recently at the pre-agreed price, allows Lufthansa to integrate the Italian airline more deeply into its multi-hub commercial strategy. While the Italian government currently retains a small portion of the company, the agreement includes a specific provision granting the Lufthansa Group the right to acquire the remaining 10 percent stake by 2028, potentially making ITA a wholly-owned subsidiary.
The integration into the Lufthansa network is expected to provide ITA Airways with superior synergies in procurement, maintenance, and global sales distribution. By utilizing Lufthansa’s advanced IT infrastructure and loyalty programs, the Italian carrier can improve its load factors and operational efficiency, better connecting Rome and Milan to the group’s worldwide destination network.
