What is ITA Airways and what is its role in Italy's aviation sector?

ITA Airways, officially Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., is the flag carrier of Italy. It operates as a state-owned entity, with the Italian government, via the Ministry of Economy and Finance, holding a majority stake, and Lufthansa Group holding a significant minority stake.

When was ITA Airways founded and when did it commence operations?

ITA Airways was founded on November 11, 2020, and commenced operations on October 15, 2021. This marked the establishment of a new national airline following the cessation of operations by Alitalia.

What are the primary hubs and focus cities for ITA Airways?

ITA Airways' main hub is located at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Additionally, Milan Linate Airport serves as a focus city for the airline, indicating a significant operational presence and network development from these locations.

Which airline alliances has ITA Airways been a part of or is scheduled to join?

ITA Airways was a member of the SkyTeam alliance from its inception in 2021 until 2025. It is scheduled to join the Star Alliance in the first half of 2026, following its integration into the Lufthansa Group.

What is the ownership structure of ITA Airways?

ITA Airways is primarily owned by the Government of Italy, through its Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), which holds 59% of the shares. Lufthansa Group holds the remaining 41% stake.

Who are the current key personnel leading ITA Airways?

As of the provided information, Jörg Eberhart serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ITA Airways, and Sandro Pappalardo holds the position of Chairman.

What was the historical context leading to the establishment of ITA Airways?

ITA Airways was established as a successor to Alitalia, Italy's former flag carrier, which had a long history dating back to 1946 but faced multiple reorganizations and financial difficulties, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy and closure in October 2021.

How did Alitalia, the predecessor to ITA Airways, evolve financially and operationally before its closure?

Alitalia transitioned from state ownership to private ownership in 2009 after merging with Air One. It underwent further reorganization in 2015 with investment from Etihad Airways and a minority stake held by Air France-KLM. Despite these efforts, multiple attempts to achieve profitability failed, leading to its placement under extraordinary administration in 2017 and eventual closure.

What was the European Commission's stance on ITA Airways acquiring Alitalia's assets?

The European Commission advised Italy to conduct an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory tender for Alitalia's assets. They suggested that the Alitalia brand should not be transferred to ITA due to continuity concerns and recommended that aviation, ground handling, and maintenance businesses be sold separately, with slots also needing to be sold.

What was the initial fleet strategy announced by ITA Airways in September 2021?

In September 2021, ITA Airways announced a fleet strategy involving a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 28 new aircraft (10 A330neos, 7 A220s, and 11 A320neos). Additionally, they planned to lease 31 more new Airbus aircraft, including the A350-900, from Air Lease Corporation.

What happened during the protest by former Alitalia employees in October 2021?

On October 22, 2021, former Alitalia employees who were not rehired by ITA Airways protested. Some women at the demonstration wore white nightgowns while shouting slogans, which ITA CEO Alfredo Altavilla described as a "national shame."

When did ITA Airways begin carrying the Pope for official travel, and what is the callsign for papal flights?

ITA Airways began carrying the Pope for pastoral and state visits starting December 2, 2021, replacing Alitalia for most outbound papal flights. The press often nicknames the papal flight 'Shepherd One,' but its official callsign is 'Volo Papale' (papal flight in Italian) followed by a serial number.

What was the reported cost for ITA Airways to acquire the Alitalia brand?

ITA Airways reportedly acquired the Alitalia brand in the fall of 2021 for €90 million, with plans to potentially reuse the name for marketing purposes and to prevent competitors from using it.

Which major aviation groups expressed interest in becoming majority owners of ITA Airways in 2022?

In January 2022, MSC Group and Lufthansa Group expressed interest in becoming majority owners of ITA Airways. Later, fellow SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, in partnership with investment firm Certares, also showed interest. Indigo Partners also submitted a bid.

Which bid did the Italian government initially prefer for ITA Airways in 2022?

As of August 31, 2022, the Italian government had stated a preference for the bid from the Air France-KLM/Certares partnership and initiated exclusive talks with that group.

What was the outcome of Lufthansa Group's bid for ITA Airways in 2023?

In January 2023, Lufthansa Group submitted a bid to acquire a minority stake in ITA Airways, with plans to purchase the remaining shares over time. By May 25, 2023, Lufthansa Group reached an agreement to acquire a 41% stake in ITA Airways.

When did the European Commission approve Lufthansa Group's acquisition of ITA Airways?

The European Commission granted approval for Lufthansa Group's acquisition of ITA Airways on July 3, 2024.

What is the significance of ITA Airways becoming the fifth network airline of Lufthansa Group?

Upon Lufthansa Group's acquisition of a 41% stake in January 2025, ITA Airways became the fifth network airline within the group, joining Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. This integration aims to create synergies and expand the group's overall reach.

What changes are planned for ITA Airways' airline alliance membership?

ITA Airways left the SkyTeam alliance on April 30, 2025, after announcing its departure on February 3, 2025. The airline is set to join the Star Alliance in the first half of 2026, aligning with its integration into the Lufthansa Group.

How did ITA Airways adjust its operations at Frankfurt and Munich airports in 2025?

In March 2025, ITA Airways moved its operations at Frankfurt Airport from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, and at Munich Airport from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. These changes were made to co-locate with other Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance airlines.

What is the 'Volare' program and how does it interact with other Lufthansa Group airlines?

Volare is ITA Airways' loyalty program. Starting February 3, 2025, members of Volare can earn and redeem points on flights operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Concurrently, members of Lufthansa's Miles & More program can earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights.

How many destinations does ITA Airways serve as of November 2024, and what are its future plans?

As of November 2024, ITA Airways serves 73 destinations across Italy, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. The airline plans to expand its network to 74 destinations and 89 routes by 2025.

What is the current fleet size of ITA Airways?

As of August 2025, ITA Airways operates a fleet of 95 aircraft, with an additional 25 aircraft on order.

Which aircraft types are included in ITA Airways' current fleet?

ITA Airways' current fleet includes various Airbus models such as the A220-100, A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A320neo, A321LR, A330-200, A330-900, and A350-900.

Which aircraft types are being phased out or replaced in ITA Airways' fleet?

ITA Airways is in the process of retiring its Airbus A319-100 and A330-200 aircraft, replacing them with newer models like the Airbus A220 and A330neo, respectively.

What is the passenger capacity of the Airbus A350-900 operated by ITA Airways?

The Airbus A350-900 operated by ITA Airways typically accommodates 33 passengers in Business class, 24 in Premium Economy, and 262 in Economy, totaling 319 passengers.

How are ITA Airways' aircraft named?

All aircraft in the ITA Airways fleet are named after meritorious Italian sportspeople, reflecting a connection to Italian culture and achievement.

What was the purpose of ITA Airways purchasing the 'Alitalia' brand?

ITA Airways purchased the 'Alitalia' brand for €90 million, intending to use it for potential future marketing operations and to prevent competitors from utilizing it.

What financial results did ITA Airways report for the year 2023?

In 2023, ITA Airways reported revenues of €2.4 billion, a gross operating profit of €70 million, and a significantly reduced net loss of €5 million. The airline carried 14.8 million passengers with a load factor of 79%.

What were ITA Airways' financial results for 2024?

For the financial year ending December 31, 2024, ITA Airways reported revenues of €3.1 billion, a gross operating profit of €337 million, and a net loss of €227 million. The airline carried 18 million passengers with a load factor of 81%.

What incident occurred on June 17, 2022, involving an ITA Airways aircraft at JFK Airport?

On June 17, 2022, an ITA Airways Airbus A330-200 (EI-EJL) made contact with an Air France Boeing 777-200ER (F-GSPQ) on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The ITA aircraft sustained wing damage discovered upon landing in Rome.

What was the outcome of the investigation into the JFK tarmac incident involving ITA Airways and Air France?

The investigation into the tarmac collision between the ITA Airways A330 and Air France 777 at JFK Airport concluded in 2023. Both aircraft were repaired following the incident.

Which airlines does ITA Airways have interline agreements with?

ITA Airways has interline agreements with airlines such as Corsair International, flydubai, Neos, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic, as well as with railway companies like Iryo and Trenitalia, enabling seamless travel arrangements across different modes of transport.

What is the IATA code for ITA Airways?

The IATA airline designator for ITA Airways is AZ.

What is the ICAO code for ITA Airways?

The ICAO airline designator for ITA Airways is ITY.

What is the call sign used by ITA Airways?

The aviation call sign for ITA Airways is ITARROW.

What was the initial number of employees for ITA Airways upon commencing operations?

ITA Airways was expected to start operations with 2,800 employees.

What were the planned initial destinations for ITA Airways in the United States?

ITA Airways planned to begin flying to New York-JFK, Boston, and Miami in 2021. Further expansion was planned for Los Angeles and Washington-Dulles in 2022, and Chicago-O'Hare and San Francisco in 2023.

What is the stated purpose of purchasing the 'MilleMiglia' frequent-flyer program from Alitalia?

The text mentions that ITA Airways intended to acquire the MilleMiglia frequent-flyer program from Alitalia, but the European Commission prohibited this transfer, suggesting it could not be part of the new corporate entity.

What is the total number of aircraft ITA Airways took possession of from Alitalia upon its shutdown?

Upon Alitalia's shutdown on October 14, 2021, ITA Airways took possession of 49 aircraft from the former airline, consisting of 18 Airbus A319-100s, 25 Airbus A320-200s, and 6 Airbus A330-200s.

How did ITA Airways' fleet size change on its first day of operations?

On its first day of operations, October 15, 2021, ITA Airways' fleet comprised 52 aircraft. This total included the 49 aircraft acquired from Alitalia, plus 2 Airbus A320-200s and 1 Airbus A330-200 already under the ITA Airways AOC.

What is the total number of destinations ITA Airways plans to serve by 2025?

By 2025, ITA Airways plans to serve 74 destinations and operate 89 routes.

What is the rationale behind ITA Airways' fleet modernization strategy, particularly regarding the A330-200 and A330neo?

ITA Airways is replacing its older Airbus A330-200 aircraft with the more modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A330neo, which offers improved passenger comfort and operational performance.

What is the total number of aircraft ITA Airways has on order as of August 2025?

As of August 2025, ITA Airways has 25 aircraft on order.

What is the passenger load factor for ITA Airways in 2023?

In 2023, ITA Airways achieved a passenger load factor of 79%.

What is the total number of employees at ITA Airways as of 2024?

As of 2024, ITA Airways employed 4,667 individuals.

Ita Airways Wiki: Aviation's Italian Renaissance: An In-depth Look at ITA Airways

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Overview

National Flag Carrier

ITA Airways, formally Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A., stands as the designated flag carrier of Italy. It was established in 2020 as a state-owned entity, succeeding the bankrupt Alitalia, Italy's previous national airline which had a long and complex history.

Ownership Structure

The airline is primarily owned by the Italian government through the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), holding a 59% stake. A significant minority stake of 41% is held by the Lufthansa Group, marking a strategic integration into one of Europe's largest aviation conglomerates.

Operational Scope

ITA Airways commenced operations on October 15, 2021. It serves a network of over 70 destinations across Italy, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. Its primary hub is Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), with Milan Linate Airport (LIN) serving as a key focus city.

Historical Context and Establishment

The Legacy of Alitalia

ITA Airways emerged from the ashes of Alitalia, Italy's flag carrier since 1946. Alitalia faced persistent financial difficulties, undergoing multiple reorganizations and receiving significant state aid over decades. Despite attempts at privatization and partnerships, including with Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM, it ultimately entered extraordinary administration in 2017 and was placed on the auction block.

Government Intervention and Foundation

The Italian government took ownership of Alitalia in March 2020, partly in response to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector. This led to the decree establishing Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A. (ITA) as a new, state-owned entity. The European Commission played a role in ensuring ITA was structured as a distinct entity, not a direct successor to Alitalia, to comply with state aid regulations.

Integration with Lufthansa Group

The strategic direction of ITA Airways took a significant turn with the acquisition process by Lufthansa Group. Following expressions of interest from multiple parties, Lufthansa Group and the Italian government signed a letter of intent in January 2023. The European Commission granted conditional approval for Lufthansa's acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways in July 2024, with the transaction finalized in January 2025. This integration positions ITA Airways as the fifth network airline within the Lufthansa Group.

Network and Hubs

Destination Reach

As of November 2024, ITA Airways serves 73 destinations. The airline aims to expand its network to 74 destinations and 89 routes by 2025, reflecting its growth strategy and commitment to connecting Italy with the global market.

Strategic Hubs

The airline's primary operational hub is located at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). This strategic location facilitates its extensive domestic and international flight operations. Additionally, Milan Linate Airport (LIN) serves as a crucial focus city, enhancing connectivity within Italy and to key European destinations.

Airline Alliances

SkyTeam Membership

Upon commencing operations in October 2021, ITA Airways became a member of the SkyTeam alliance. This membership provided immediate access to a global network and enhanced loyalty program benefits for its passengers.

Transition to Star Alliance

As part of its integration into the Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways announced its departure from SkyTeam and its upcoming accession to Star Alliance. The airline officially exited SkyTeam on April 30, 2025, with its formal joining of Star Alliance planned for the first half of 2026. This strategic shift aligns ITA Airways with Lufthansa's existing Star Alliance partnerships.

Corporate Structure and Leadership

Leadership

The airline's leadership includes Jörg Eberhart as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Sandro Pappalardo as Chairman. These figures guide the strategic direction and operational management of ITA Airways.

Workforce

As of 2024, ITA Airways employed approximately 4,667 individuals. This workforce is integral to the airline's operations, from flight crews to ground staff and administrative personnel.

Headquarters

The corporate offices of ITA Airways are situated in Rome, Italy. Notably, as the airline is part-owned by the Italian government via the Ministry of Economy and Finance, its corporate offices are located within the ministry's premises.

Fleet Composition

ITA Airways operates a modern fleet predominantly composed of Airbus aircraft. The fleet includes various models such as the A220 family, A320 family (including A320-200, A320neo, and A321LR), A330 family (A330-200 and A330neo), and the long-haul A350-900. The airline is actively engaged in fleet renewal, phasing out older aircraft in favor of more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced models.

Aircraft	In service	Orders	Passengers					Notes
Aircraft	In service	Orders	J	W	Y	Total	Refs	Notes
Airbus A220-100	12	—	—	—	125	125	^[112]	Replacing Airbus A319-100.
Airbus A220-300	13	6	—	—	148	148
Airbus A220-300	13	6	—	—	149	149
Airbus A319-100	10	—	—	—	144	144	^{[citation needed]}	To be retired and replaced by Airbus A220.
Airbus A320-200	13	—	—	—	174	174	^[113]^[114]
Airbus A320-200	13	—	—	—	180	180	^[113]^[114]
Airbus A320neo	16	11	—	—	180	180
Airbus A321LR^[115]	7	2^[116]	12	12	141	165	^[117]^[118]
Airbus A330-200	5	—	20	17	219	256	^[119]	To be retired and replaced by Airbus A330neo.^[120]
Airbus A330-900	11	6	30	24	237	291	^[121]	Replacing Airbus A330-200.
Airbus A350-900	6	—	33	24	262	319	^[122]	^[123]
Total	95	25

Partnerships and Agreements

Codeshare Agreements

ITA Airways maintains codeshare agreements with numerous international airlines, facilitating expanded network reach and seamless travel for passengers. These partnerships include carriers such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Turkish Airlines, among others. These collaborations are crucial for offering comprehensive travel options across diverse geographies.

Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aeroméxico
Air Canada
Air Caraibes
Air Corsica
Air Dolomiti
Air Europa
Air France
Air Serbia
airBaltic
All Nippon Airways
Austrian Airlines
Avianca
Azul Brazilian Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Bulgaria Air
China Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Croatia Airlines
Emirates
Ethiopian Airlines
Etihad Airways
Eurowings
Garuda Indonesia
Hainan Airlines
Icelandair
Kenya Airways
KLM
KM Malta Airlines
Korean Air
Kuwait Airways
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
Luxair
Middle East Airlines
Pegasus Airlines
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian
Saudia
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Air Portugal
TAROM
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Vietnam Airlines
XiamenAir

Interline Agreements

In addition to codeshares, ITA Airways has established interline agreements with various airlines and even non-airline partners, such as railway operators like Iryo and Trenitalia. These agreements enable the issuance of single tickets for itineraries involving multiple carriers or modes of transport, simplifying travel planning and enhancing customer convenience.

Financial Performance

Key Financial Metrics

ITA Airways has demonstrated a trajectory of increasing revenue and passenger numbers since its inception. While initial years reflected startup costs and market recovery post-pandemic, the airline has shown significant improvement, moving towards profitability. The airline reported substantial revenue growth and a reduction in net loss, indicating positive financial momentum.

Year	Revenue (€ bn)	Gross operating profit^[a] (€ m)	Net income (€ m)	Number of passengers (m)	Passenger load factor (%)	Refs
2021^[b]	0.09		–148	1.3		^[50]^[51]
2022	1.5	–338	–486	10.1	73	^[52]
2023	2.4	70	–5	14.8	79	^[53]
2024	3.1	337	–227	18	81	^[54]^[55]

Notable Incidents

JFK Airport Ground Incident

On June 17, 2022, an ITA Airways Airbus A330-200 (EI-EJL) sustained damage when it was struck by an Air France Boeing 777-200ER (F-GSPQ) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The incident occurred while the ITA aircraft was taxiing. Air traffic control initially advised against the ITA aircraft's takeoff, but the pilot proceeded to Rome after a request for inspection by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority. Wing damage was discovered upon arrival in Rome, and the incident was investigated.

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References

Green light for Lufthansa's ITA acquisition Airliner World February 2025 page 6

A full list of references for this article are available at the ITA Airways Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current operational status, financial figures, or strategic decisions of ITA Airways.

This is not professional aviation advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official ITA Airways documentation, regulatory filings, or seeking expert advice from aviation professionals. Always verify critical information through official channels.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Aviation's Italian Renaissance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🇮🇹 National Flag Carrier

🤝 Ownership Structure

✈️ Operational Scope

Historical Context and Establishment ⏳

📜 The Legacy of Alitalia

🏛️ Government Intervention and Foundation

🇩🇪 Integration with Lufthansa Group

Network and Hubs 📍

🌍 Destination Reach

✈️ Strategic Hubs

Airline Alliances 🔗

🤝 SkyTeam Membership

⭐ Transition to Star Alliance

Corporate Structure and Leadership 🏢

🧑‍💼 Leadership

👥 Workforce

🏛️ Headquarters

Fleet Composition ✈️

Airbus Fleet

Partnerships and Agreements 🤝

✈️ Codeshare Agreements

🚆 Interline Agreements

Financial Performance 📊

📈 Key Financial Metrics

Notable Incidents ⚠️

💥 JFK Airport Ground Incident

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

National Flag Carrier

Ownership Structure

Operational Scope

Historical Context and Establishment

The Legacy of Alitalia

Government Intervention and Foundation

Integration with Lufthansa Group

Network and Hubs

Destination Reach

Strategic Hubs

Airline Alliances

SkyTeam Membership

Transition to Star Alliance

Corporate Structure and Leadership

Leadership

Workforce

Headquarters

Fleet Composition

Partnerships and Agreements

Codeshare Agreements

Interline Agreements

Financial Performance

Key Financial Metrics

Notable Incidents

JFK Airport Ground Incident

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice