The Lufthansa Group will increase its ownership stake in ITA Airways from 41% to 90% after exercising its option to acquire an additional 49% shareholding in the Italian flag carrier.
The Lufthansa Supervisory Board approved the move during a meeting held this week, allowing the airline group to proceed with the next phase of its integration strategy for ITA Airways.
The acquisition of the additional stake will cost 325 million euros under terms previously agreed with Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the European Commission and the United States Department of Justice.
The deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2027. Once completed, ITA Airways will be fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group both operationally and financially, becoming a core part of the company’s expanding European airline network.
Lufthansa initially acquired a 41% minority stake in ITA Airways on January 17, 2025, following an agreement signed with the Italian government in 2023. The agreement included recurring annual options allowing Lufthansa to progressively increase its ownership stake.
Under the current arrangement, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance will temporarily retain the remaining 10% stake after the latest transaction closes. Lufthansa may acquire that final tranche in 2028.
Carsten Spohr said the integration of ITA Airways has progressed faster than expected and has already transformed the airline into Lufthansa Group’s fifth network carrier in many operational areas.
Spohr said most customer-facing systems are already integrated, including booking platforms, fare systems, sales operations, and the Star Alliance network. ITA Airways passengers also now have access to Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More loyalty program and premium airport lounge network.
The Lufthansa CEO added that only North Atlantic cooperation remains pending because additional regulatory approvals are still required for certain transatlantic operations.
Cargo integration has also accelerated. Lufthansa Cargo has already begun marketing ITA Airways’ cargo capacity, which the company said adds capacity roughly equivalent to three Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
The Lufthansa Group is a major global aviation conglomerate comprising network carriers like Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways, alongside value-based carriers Eurowings and leisure-focused Discover Airlines. With hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome, the group offers extensive worldwide connectivity.
The acquisition strengthens Lufthansa’s position in the important Italian aviation market, one of Europe’s largest travel sectors. Italy has long been considered strategically important for Lufthansa because of its strong business travel demand, tourism flows, and geographic connectivity between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The move also continues broader consolidation trends across the European airline industry, where major airline groups are seeking greater scale, expanded networks, and improved efficiency through strategic acquisitions and alliances.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, newsroom.lufthansagroup.com
