Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Expanding Global Reach. The board of ITA Airways has approved the company's five-year plan for 2026–2030, emphasizing network expansion and strengthening, particularly long-haul routes.
ITA Airways plans to launch new routes connecting Rome Fiumicino with key destinations in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa, seizing growing markets and addressing the needs of a growing global customer base. These new routes will not only boost inbound tourism to Italy but also increase trade and cultural exchanges, strengthening ITA Airways' role as a bridge between Italy and the world.
In addition to intercontinental growth, the plan also targets expansion within Europe and the Mediterranean region. The network strategy is designed to be flexible, allowing adaptation to market trends, regulatory and economic changes, and geopolitical dynamics.
Attention is also paid to innovation in services both on-board and on the ground with the aim of enhancing the passenger experience through advanced digital solutions, modern comfort, and initiatives focused on environmental and social sustainability.
The plan calls for the addition of a new aircraft for long-haul flights each year starting from 2026, as part of a strategy to integrate next-generation aircraft while gradually phasing out older models. The fleet is expected to number approximately 100 aircraft, all of which will be next-generation by 2030.
Over a five-year period, operational and strategic synergy with the Lufthansa Group will gradually strengthen, expected to deliver benefits in terms of earnings and cost savings. The plan anticipates full integration into the Star Alliance from 2026, along with the approval of joint ventures for flights between Europe and North America and between Europe and Japan. The alliance is key to expanding the range of destinations and ensuring passenger services, supported by partnerships between loyalty programs and a wide range of codeshare agreements.
Starting in 2026, a program to expand and develop the workforce will be launched, closely aligning with the growing fleet and the company's evolving network. Simultaneously, initiatives will encourage a stronger sense of belonging and help make ITA Airways a more competitive and sustainable player in the global aviation market.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation, on behalf of myself and the entire board, to the people who have worked over the recent weeks on the business plan approved today, which will guide and guarantee the company's development over the next five years," said Sandro Pappalardo, President of ITA Airways. "We are laying the foundations for continuing to be Italy's leading airline with a strategic role in the national economic system and increasing connectivity with the rest of the world."
Joerg Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways, added: "This is another milestone for the company. The approved business plan allows ITA Airways to continue to evolve sustainably through synergy with the Lufthansa Group. With our network expansion, adoption of advanced technologies, partnerships with major global players, and our commitment to service excellence, we can, by 2030, bring more and more passengers flying to and from Italy to choose ITA Airways. This will create attractive job opportunities and generate a positive economic impact on the aviation industry."