Tourexpi
ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over 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.
Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers travelling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.
Celebrating the milestone, 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.”
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’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration programme over the last several months.
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.
Picture Credit: © Star Alliance
The most interesting news
Read the News

GNTB strengthens dialogue to safeguard inbound tourism amid geopolitical uncertainty
New crisis task force and industry exchange launched to address potential impacts of Middle East conflict
Read the News

MSC introduces Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island in the Bahamas
Exclusive island retreat for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys is scheduled to open in 2028
Read the News

Cocktails with a view: Hilton highlights rooftop bars around the world
From New York to Venice and Bangkok, Hilton hotels showcase rooftop bars that combine signature cocktails with spectacular city and waterfront views
Read the News

Lufthansa marks 100 years and opens new conference and visitor center
Hundreds of guests from politics, business and media attended the ceremony at Lufthansa Group Hangar One in Frankfurt
Read the News

Lufthansa Group accelerates strategy with fleet cuts and capacity reductions
Rising kerosene prices and labour-related costs prompt early retirement of aircraft and programme adjustments
Read the News

Radisson Blu opens new flagship hotel at Almaty Airport
171-room property strengthens Radisson Hotel Group’s presence in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
Read the News

US remains world’s largest travel market but WTTC warns of growing competition
New research highlights declining international demand and calls for stronger promotion
Read the News

Spain unveils new SICTED programme focused on sustainable tourism
Updated system integrates sustainability, technology and quality standards across tourism destinations
Read the News

Agoda highlights top birdwatching destinations across Asia
Curated selection spans wetlands, rainforests and mountain habitats along major migratory routes
Read the News

Delta introduces new airport services to speed up travel
Seamless baggage transfers, touchless identity checks and Uber drop-off aim to simplify the journey from curb to gate
Read the News

Ethiopian Airlines confirms order for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Africa’s largest Dreamliner operator expands widebody fleet to support intercontinental growth
Read the News

Six Senses Fiji supports relocation of endangered iguanas to neighbouring island
Conservation project aims to establish a second population of the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana
Read the News

Star Princess completes first transit of the Panama Canal
Princess Cruises’ newest ship marks milestone during inaugural season
Read the News

RIU launches new mobile app for travel agents in the RIU Partner Club
The new tool offers real-time booking management and loyalty points tracking for more than 100,000 agents worldwide
Read the News

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Philadelphia after 15 years
Norwegian Jewel launches new sailings to Bermuda and Canada & New England from the historic U.S. port
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group launches first Radisson RED hotel in Türkiye
Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova brings lifestyle-driven hospitality concept to İzmir
Read the News

Chiang Mai named Asia’s leading culinary destination by Agoda
Cooking classes and food experiences are increasingly shaping travel decisions across the region
Read the News

Ireland seen as vulnerable to potential jet fuel shortages
Heavy reliance on air travel raises concerns for tourism and cargo as European fuel stocks tighten
Read the News

Hilton launches ‘Cooking with Chris’ culinary travel series in Morocco
CEO Chris Nassetta explores local cuisine and traditions starting with Moroccan chicken tagine
Read the News

Qatar allows gradual return of foreign airline flights via Doha
Civil Aviation Authority approves restart of operations after safety assessment
Read the News

Rosario Sánchez defends tourism as a tool for peace at EU meeting in Cyprus
Spanish Secretary of State reiterates “no to war” and calls for stronger cooperation and sustainable aviation fuels
