ITA Airways Set to Become Fully Integrated Lufthansa Group Airline After New Share Acquisition Deal
(IN SHORT) Deutsche Lufthansa AG plans to increase its ownership stake in ITA Airways from 41 percent to 90 percent through the acquisition of an additional 49 percent shareholding valued at 325 million euros. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of 2027 pending regulatory approvals, represents a major step toward the full integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa said the integration process has progressed ahead of schedule, with unified booking systems, Miles & More participation, Star Alliance membership and cargo operations already largely integrated. Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will initially retain a 10 percent stake, which Lufthansa may acquire in 2028. The acquisition strengthens Lufthansa’s European airline network and reflects ongoing consolidation within the aviation sector.
(PRESS RELEASE) COLOGNE, Germany, 2026-May-12 — /Travel PR News/ — Deutsche Lufthansa AG has announced plans to exercise its option to acquire an additional 49 percent stake in ITA Airways, increasing its ownership in the Italian airline from 41 percent to 90 percent.
The decision was approved by Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board following a recommendation by the Executive Board. The additional share acquisition, valued at 325 million euros, is expected to be formally executed in June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals from authorities including the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Completion of the transaction is currently anticipated during the first quarter of 2027. Once finalized, ITA Airways is expected to become fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group both operationally and financially, further strengthening Lufthansa’s position in the European aviation market.
Lufthansa initially acquired a 41 percent stake in ITA Airways on 17 January 2025 as part of a strategic agreement reached with Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). Under the original purchase agreement signed in June 2023, Lufthansa secured an annually recurring option allowing it to acquire an additional 49 percent shareholding in the airline. The company has now decided to activate that option earlier than initially anticipated.
Following completion of the transaction, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance will retain the remaining 10 percent stake in ITA Airways. Lufthansa also confirmed that this final tranche could potentially be acquired in 2028, paving the way for full ownership of the Italian flag carrier.
Carsten Spohr said during the company’s Annual General Meeting that Lufthansa had committed to completing the integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group within 18 months of the initial investment and that the process has progressed even faster than originally planned.
According to Spohr, most customer-facing systems and services have already been integrated into the Lufthansa Group network, with the exception of certain North Atlantic operations still awaiting regulatory approval. He noted that passengers are already experiencing ITA Airways as part of the wider Lufthansa ecosystem through harmonized booking systems, sales channels, fare structures and loyalty programmes.
ITA Airways has also joined the Star Alliance network and is integrated into Lufthansa’s Miles & More frequent flyer programme, allowing customers access to a broader international route network and premium lounge infrastructure.
The integration process is also advancing in the cargo sector. Lufthansa Cargo has already begun marketing ITA Airways’ cargo capacity, which the company said is equivalent to adding the capacity of three Boeing 777 freighter aircraft to its operations.
Spohr described the integration progress as one of the fastest in Lufthansa’s history and said the positive operational results contributed to the company’s decision to move forward with the majority acquisition sooner than expected.
The acquisition further strengthens Lufthansa Group’s strategy of expanding its multi-airline network model across Europe. ITA Airways is currently positioned as Lufthansa Group’s fifth network airline alongside Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.
The move also reflects broader consolidation trends within the European aviation industry, where large airline groups continue to pursue strategic partnerships and acquisitions to improve network coverage, increase efficiency and strengthen competitive positioning in both passenger and cargo markets.
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Lufthansa Group – Germany
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SOURCE: Lufthansa Group
