ITA Airways announced a series of commercial initiatives this Monday following its integration into the Lufthansa Group, which was formalized in January. During a press conference at its headquarters in Rome-Fiumicino, the Italian airline presented a partnership between its Volare loyalty program and Miles & More, the frequent flyer system of the German group. Additionally, it confirmed its exit from SkyTeam and announced that it will begin the process of joining Star Alliance in 2026.
The event was attended by Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways, Joerg Eberhart, CEO of the airline, and Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa.
According to the company, the partnership between Volare and Miles & More will allow its 2.7 million loyalty program members to earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. At the same time, 36 million Miles & More users will be able to do the same on ITA Airways flights.
Additionally, the airline confirmed that starting March 30, 2025, with the launch of the IATA summer season, passengers will have access to new benefits. Among them, ITA Airways customers will be able to access 130 Lufthansa Group lounges in various airports, while Lufthansa Group passengers will gain access to ITA Airways lounges. As part of its integration plan, ITA Airways will relocate its operations in Frankfurt and Munich to Lufthansa Group terminals, which, according to the airline, will facilitate connections.
Puede interesarte
Regarding connectivity, new codeshare agreements will allow passengers to combine flights between both airlines and access 250 additional destinations. ITA Airways will also coordinate its flight schedules with those of Lufthansa Group at key airports to reduce layover times.
Regarding its departure from SkyTeam, the company reported that the process will be completed by April 30, 2025, and that bilateral agreements with some airlines within the alliance will remain in place to ensure service continuity. Meanwhile, the airline will begin its Star Alliance accession process, with full integration expected by early 2026.
“I am very pleased to participate in ITA Airways' first press conference as chairman,” said Sandro Pappalardo. “This role is a great responsibility for me, and although I have only been in this position for a few days, I already have a deeper understanding of its importance and the challenges we will face together with Lufthansa Group.”
ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart highlighted that the integration with Lufthansa Group will create new opportunities for passengers. “Today we are announcing the first commercial initiatives dedicated to our customers, who are already starting to benefit from this synergy. Beginning with the partnership between Volare and Miles & More, we will continue to introduce benefits such as lounge access and codeshare flights,” he stated. He also emphasized the exit from SkyTeam and the future entry into Star Alliance as "a historic step" for the airline.
SkyTeam’s Response
Following ITA Airways' announcement of its exit from the alliance, SkyTeam issued a statement indicating that it is working with the airline to ensure a smooth transition for its customers and partners ahead of its official departure, which will take effect on April 30, 2025.
SkyTeam advised passengers to check directly with their airlines regarding matters such as SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus benefits, SkyPriority services, lounge access, and mileage redemption.
“On behalf of SkyTeam and its member airlines, we thank ITA Airways for three years of partnership and wish the airline the best for the future,” the alliance stated.
SkyTeam also confirmed that Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air, MEA, SAS, Saudia, and TAROM—all member airlines—will continue to offer more than 1,000 weekly flights to nine cities in Italy.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
Comentarios
Para comentar, debés estar registrado
Por favor, iniciá sesión