ITA Airways, the Italian reference carrier, yesterday announced its 2026-2030 Business Plan which is structured around three fundamental strategic pillars.
Strengthening the competitive position: ITA Airways aims to establish itself as Italy’s reference carrier—efficient and innovative—offering high-quality connectivity in close collaboration with the key sectors of tourism and international trade. At the core of the Company’s strategy is delivering exceptional service to both business and leisure travelers, with a continuous focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability through responsible resource management.
Network and fleet development: The Plan focuses on expanding the long-haul segment and increasing intercontinental destinations from the Rome Fiumicino hub. Connectivity will also be enhanced through commercial agreements and strategic partnerships with other Airlines.
Meanwhile, the fleet renewal process will continue, prioritizing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, in line with the Company’s sustainability commitments and EU regulations—such as the elimination of ETS free allowances. By the end of the plan period, the fleet will be almost entirely made up of next-generation aircraft.
Strengthening integration with the Lufthansa Group, the world’s fourth largest Airline group, as a strategic advantage to leverage significant operational, commercial, and technological synergies, boosting competitiveness, the access to new markets, and driving continuous innovation in passenger services.
Long-Haul Routes to Connect Rome with the World
A central pillar of ITA Airways’ strategy is the expansion of its long-haul network. New routes will connect Rome Fiumicino to key destinations in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa, tapping into the rising demand for intercontinental travel. This expansion is expected to boost inbound tourism to Italy while enhancing the country’s role as a gateway for international commerce and cultural exchange.
The plan’s network development also includes strengthening connections within Europe and the Mediterranean. Leveraging partnerships and codeshare agreements, ITA Airways intends to provide passengers with faster, more convenient travel options. The airline has emphasized flexibility in its approach, allowing for quick adaptation to market trends and geopolitical shifts.
- New intercontinental routes from 2026 onward
- Focus on North American, South American, Asian, and African markets
- Enhanced European and Mediterranean connectivity via strategic alliances
Fleet
The Plan calls for adding one new additional long-haul aircraft each year starting in 2026, as part of a strategy to introduce next-generation aircraft while gradually retiring older models. The fleet is expected to average around 100 aircraft, which by 2030 will be entirely composed of new-generation models. This supports network growth and promotes the use of the most advanced and environmentally friendly aviation technologies in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Alliances and Synergies with the Lufthansa Group
Over the five-year period, operational and strategic synergies with the Lufthansa Group will be progressively strengthened, expected to deliver benefits in terms of revenue gains and cost savings. The plan also foresees full integration into Star Alliance from early 2026, along with pending approval of joint ventures for flights between Europe and North America (A++) and Europe and Japan (J+). These alliances are key to expanding the range of destinations and ensuring seamless passenger services, supported by partnerships between loyalty programs (Volare and Miles&More), cargo synergies, and a broad range of codeshare agreements.
Workforce
Starting in 2026, a program will be launched to grow and develop staff, closely aligned with the Company’s evolving fleet and network. At the same time, initiatives will foster a stronger sense of belonging, helping make ITA Airways an increasingly competitive and sustainable player in the global aviation market.
“I would like to express the warmest appreciation from myself and the entire Board of Directors to the people who worked in the last weeks for the Business Plan approved today, which will guide and ensure the development of the Company in the next five years.” – said Sandro Pappalardo, President of ITA Airways.
“We are laying the groundwork to continue being Italy’s reference carrier with a strategic role for the national economic system and to increase connectivity with the rest of the world.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, added: “Today marks another milestone for the Company. The approved Business Plan makes it possible for ITA Airways to continue developing sustainably through Lufthansa Group synergies. With the expansion of our network, the adoption of cuttingedge technologies, partnerships with major global players, and our commitment to service excellence, we will be able by 2030 to bring more and more passengers—departing to and from Italy—to choose ITA Airways.
This will create attractive job opportunities and generate a positive economic impact for the air transport industry”.
