ITA Airways becomes a member of Star Alliance
In a ceremony at Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3’s Piazza di Spagna Lounge, ITA Airways announced its membership in the Alliance. In front of the media and institutional guests, Joerg Eberhart, the chief executive officer and general manager of ITA Airways, Theo Panagiotoulias, the chief executive officer of Star Alliance, and Dieter Vranckx, the chief commercial officer of Lufthansa Group, presided over the ceremony.
ITA Airways will be fully integrated into the Alliance’s global network on April 1, 2026, connecting its Milan Linate airport and Rome Fiumicino hub. Together, 17 Star Alliance members service more than 1,150 destinations globally. Through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to Star Alliance lounges, customers travelling around the network can now enjoy a more seamless customer experience both inside and outside of Italy
Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias celebrated the milestone by saying, “I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance on behalf of our members. This is the outcome of a concentrated and cooperative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only broaden our network to and from Italy, but we also improve our customers’ connected experience when they travel across multiple airlines by giving them access to the largest network of airport lounges in the world, offering more extensive loyalty benefits, and providing additional benefits like baggage tracking, all of which are intended to improve the trip at every stage.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways stated, “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. With access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services, and a stronger premium proposition, joining the biggest and most reputable global airline network allows us to greatly increase our international reach while providing our customers with a more seamless, consistent, and high-quality travel experience. Simultaneously, we join Star Alliance with our unique Italian identity, enhancing the Alliance and strengthening ITA Airways’ position in linking Italy with the rest of the globe by fusing the warmth and grace that characterise Italian flying with international standards of quality.”
The Lufthansa Group has served as a mentor for ITA Airways’ admission into the Alliance, and over the past few months, specialised teams from all of the group’s airlines have led a rigorous integration program.
“The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group, and Star Alliance. We are happy to welcome ITA Airways as a fully operational hub airline into the Alliance and the Lufthansa Group, increasing travellers’ options throughout Europe and the world. ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group are working together to uncover a shared value proposition that will benefit the Star Alliance ecosystem, our partners, and our customers,” stated Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.
Serving more than 16 million passengers a year, ITA Airways adds more than 350 daily flights to the alliance network, enhancing connectivity throughout Europe, Italy, and important foreign markets.
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance currently has 26 member airlines and operates more than 17,500 daily flights over more than 190 countries.
