Tourexpi
Star Alliance: ITA Airways Set to Start Integration into Star Alliance
Building
on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision
paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline
alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.
Celebrating
the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias
stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star
Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board
underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway
for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and
connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”
Joerg
Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join
the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the
alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone
in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the
future privileges of the world’s largest airline network."
ITA
Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further
strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest
growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are
currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.
Leveraging
their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways
through its integration journey into Star Alliance.
“I
am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa
Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will
do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future
membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for
personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an
excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief
Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.
Upon
completing induction, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member
airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.
About
Star Alliance
Established
in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network
was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide
recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the
largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on
enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.
The
member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New
Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa
Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish
Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African
Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall,
the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150
airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star
Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.
Image
Credit: © Lufthansa Group
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