Lufthansa is preparing to increase its stake in ITA Airways from 41 percent to 90 percent. The 325 million euro acquisition is expected to impact the European aviation industry.
Germany’s flag carrier, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, has announced a new acquisition plan that will significantly increase its control over Italy’s national airline brand, ITA Airways. The company stated that it will initiate the process to purchase an additional 49 percent stake, raising its current 41 percent shareholding to 90 percent.
Lufthansa announced that the decision taken by its Executive Board was also approved by the Supervisory Board during the meeting held on May 11. Accordingly, the acquisition process is expected to begin in June 2026.
New Investment Worth 325 Million Euros
According to Lufthansa’s statement, the previously agreed payment of 325 million euros will be made for the additional 49 percent stake. However, the completion of the transaction still requires approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, particularly the European Commission and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
The company stated that the acquisition process is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Once finalized, ITA Airways is planned to be fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group both organizationally and financially.
Lufthansa Gradually Expands Control Over ITA Airways
Lufthansa became a minority shareholder in the Italian carrier after acquiring its initial 41 percent stake in ITA Airways on January 17, 2025. The investment followed the acquisition agreement signed with Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in June 2023.
Under the agreement, Lufthansa was granted the option to purchase an additional 49 percent stake each year. The German airline has now decided to exercise this option.
The company also announced that following the latest acquisition, Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will continue to hold the remaining 10 percent stake in ITA Airways. Lufthansa stated that this final share could also be acquired in 2028, potentially bringing ITA Airways fully under Lufthansa Group control.
Carsten Spohr: “The Fastest Airline Integration in Our History”
Carsten Spohr stated that the integration process of ITA Airways is progressing faster than originally planned.
Speaking at Lufthansa’s General Assembly, Spohr recalled that the company had set a target to complete the major integration steps within 18 months after acquiring the initial 41 percent stake in ITA Airways.
Spohr said:
“After acquiring the initial 41 percent stake in ITA Airways last year, we promised to carry out the fastest airline integration in our history. We aimed to complete all major integration steps within the Lufthansa Group in just 18 months.”
Miles & More and Star Alliance Integration Completed
Lufthansa CEO Spohr also announced that while the regulatory approval process for North Atlantic operations is ongoing, most customer-focused system integrations have already been completed.
Accordingly, ITA Airways passengers can now actively use:
- Lufthansa Group reservation systems,
- shared sales and fare infrastructure,
- Miles & More membership benefits,
- the Star Alliance connection network,
- Lufthansa’s global premium lounge access system.
- Balance of Power in European Aviation Is Changing
Lufthansa’s move to increase its control over ITA Airways is being seen as one of the most significant consolidation steps in the European aviation sector in recent years. Lufthansa Group, which aims to strengthen its position in the Italian market, is expected to gain major advantages in Rome and Milan-based operations.
According to aviation experts, the acquisition process could further intensify competition among Europe’s major airline groups.
