ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance: A Game-Changer for European Aviation

Lufthansa Group's strategic move to acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways marks a significant shift in the European aviation landscape. We dive into the implica...

When Lufthansa Group acquired a 41% stake in ITA Airways in early 2025, it marked a significant turning point in the European aviation landscape. The move not only strengthened Lufthansa's presence in the Italian market but also paved the way for ITA Airways to join the Star Alliance, a move that will have far-reaching implications for travelers, frequent flyers, and the industry as a whole.

The Competitive Landscape

Italy is a critical market for European carriers, with over 160 million passengers passing through its airports annually. Historically, SkyTeam has dominated this market, with Alitalia, now defunct, being a key member. The void left by Alitalia's demise created an opportunity for Lufthansa Group to expand its presence and challenge SkyTeam's stronghold.

Lufthansa's move is a strategic one, aimed at countering the influence of Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines, both strong SkyTeam players. By bringing ITA Airways into the Star Alliance fold, Lufthansa Group can now offer a more comprehensive network and competitive fares to passengers traveling to and from Italy.

ITA Airways' Star Alliance Membership

ITA Airways' entry into the Star Alliance is expected to occur in the first half of 2025. This will bring the airline into a network of 27 carriers, including Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and United, among others. The alliance membership will enable ITA Airways to tap into a vast network of routes, frequencies, and loyalty program members.

For travelers, this means increased connectivity and more options for earning and redeeming miles. ITA Airways will become a more attractive option for passengers flying to and from Italy, particularly those already invested in the Star Alliance ecosystem.

Codeshares and Interline Agreements

ITA Airways' Star Alliance membership will also lead to the establishment of codeshares and interline agreements with other member airlines. This will enable seamless connections and baggage handling, making travel more convenient for passengers. For example, a passenger flying from New York to Rome on United can now connect to ITA Airways' domestic and European routes, enjoying a single ticket and checked baggage throughout their journey.

Miles & More: The New Loyalty Program

As part of its integration into the Star Alliance, ITA Airways will adopt Miles & More as its loyalty program. This move will provide ITA Airways' customers with access to a vast network of earning and redemption opportunities, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Miles & More, already used by Lufthansa, Austrian, and Swiss, is one of the largest and most popular loyalty programs in Europe. The program's tiered structure, which includes Miles & More status levels such as Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle, will be adopted by ITA Airways, offering passengers a clear path to elite status and associated benefits.

Implications for Frequent Flyers

For frequent flyers, the adoption of Miles & More by ITA Airways is a significant development. Those already invested in the program will be able to earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights, expanding their redemption options and increasing the value of their loyalty program membership.

ITA Airways' loyalty program members will also benefit from the airline's Star Alliance membership, gaining access to a broader network of routes and loyalty program benefits. This will create new opportunities for passengers to earn and redeem miles, as well as enjoy reciprocal elite benefits across the Star Alliance network.

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

So, what does this mean for travelers? Here are some practical takeaways:

Forward-Looking Analysis

ITA Airways' entry into the Star Alliance and adoption of Miles & More marks a significant shift in the European aviation landscape. As the airline continues to integrate into the alliance, we can expect to see increased competition, improved loyalty program benefits, and a more seamless travel experience for passengers.

The move will also have implications for SkyTeam, which will need to reassess its strategy in the Italian market. Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines may need to consider strengthening their presence in Italy or risk losing market share to Lufthansa Group and its Star Alliance partners.

As the European aviation landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: ITA Airways' Star Alliance membership and adoption of Miles & More will have a lasting impact on the industry, shaping the future of air travel in Europe and beyond.