Lufthansa moves to take control of ITA Airways with majority stake purchase

Deutsche Lufthansa AG has announced plans to increase its stake in ITA Airways from 41 percent to 90 percent, marking a major step toward full integration of the Italian carrier into the Lufthansa Group.

The Lufthansa Supervisory Board has approved exercising an option that allows the group to acquire an additional 49 per cent stake in ITA Airways for €325 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval from the European Commission and the United States Department of Justice.

Lufthansa initially acquired a 41 percent minority stake in ITA Airways on January 17, 2025, following an agreement signed with Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2023. The Italian state will retain the remaining 10 percent stake after the new transaction, although Lufthansa may acquire this final tranche in 2028.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group, said the integration of ITA Airways has progressed faster than expected. According to Lufthansa, most customer-facing systems have already been unified, including booking platforms, fare systems and the Miles & More loyalty programme.

ITA Airways has also joined the Star Alliance network, while cooperation between the airlines has expanded in cargo operations. Lufthansa Cargo said it is already marketing ITA Airways freight capacity, which the group says is equivalent to adding three Boeing 777 freighters.

Once the majority acquisition is completed, ITA Airways will become Lufthansa Group’s fifth network airline and will be fully consolidated operationally and financially within the group.