ITA Airways has become the newest member of the Star Alliance group, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance. This integration will be coordinated by the Lufthansa Group.
A step into the Star Alliance
To mark this moment, ITA Airways held a ceremony at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3.
The ceremony was attended by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.
Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking – all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”
Alliance’s Global Network
From April 1, 2026, ITA Airways will be connected to alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate Airport, with 17 members serving these airports.
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high‑quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”
ITA Airways’ introduction into the Star Alliance group is being overseen by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group’s airlines who have supported an intense integration programme over the last several months.
Additionally, ITA Airways’ customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer programme recognition, including earning and redeeming miles.
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