Tourexpi
ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.
Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers travelling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.
Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when travelling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking - all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent and high‑quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”
ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration programme over the last several months.
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.
Picture Credit: © Star Alliance
The most interesting news
Read the News

Gobeklitepe Welcomes More Than 4.4 Million Visitors Since UNESCO Recognition
World's oldest known temple continues to strengthen southeastern Türkiye's appeal as a cultural tourism destination
Read the News

WTTC and UNEP Launch Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable Tourism
New alliance will promote circular economy, biodiversity protection and measurable environmental action across the global Travel & Tourism sector
Read the News

British Airways Celebrates 80 Years of US Service with Major Lounge Investment
Airline marks transatlantic milestone while unveiling plans to enhance premium customer experience across the United States
Read the News

Deutsche Bank Expands SAF Partnership with Lufthansa Group
Investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 5,500 tonnes
Read the News

Ryanair Urges Delay of EU Entry-Exit System Until September
Airline warns of longer border control queues during the summer holiday peak and calls for governments to postpone the EES rollout
Read the News

Marriott International Selects The Coca-Cola Company as Global Beverage Partner
Strategic agreement expands beverage choices across Marriott's worldwide hotel portfolio
Read the News

Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Service
New route marks the first milestone of TAT's partnership with Vietnam Airlines and strengthens regional tourism links
Read the News

Traveloka and Marriott International Expand Partnership Across Southeast Asia
Multi-year agreement gives Traveloka users direct access to Marriott's global hotel portfolio
Read the News

Taiwan Tourism Showcases Year-Round Experiences in Australia and New Zealand
Three-city roadshow strengthens trade partnerships and highlights Taiwan's growing appeal to regional travellers
Read the News

IHG Expands Greater China Portfolio with New Hotel Openings in Second Half of 2026
New properties across major cities, transport hubs and leisure destinations strengthen the group's multi-brand presence
Read the News

Marella Cruises launches new brand campaign celebrating authentic travel memories
Integrated campaign targets travellers over 40 with a fresh perspective on cruising
Read the News

Ko Samui Named Asia Pacific's Best Island at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Thailand secures five top destination rankings, with Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Chang and Chiang Mai also recognised
Read the News

Temple of Apollo Opens for Evening Visits Under Türkiye's Night Museum Programme
Ancient sanctuary in Didim offers visitors a new way to experience one of the world's most important oracle sites during the summer season
Read the News

Wego and Tourism Malaysia launch partnership to boost travel from the Middle East
Joint campaign will promote Malaysia's diverse experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
Read the News

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Unveils Extraordinary Christmas and New Year Voyages for 2026/2027
Luxury and expedition ships will celebrate the festive season from the Caribbean to Antarctica
Read the News

TAT’s CF-Hotels Platform Wins Green Leadership Award at AREA 2026
Recognition highlights Thailand’s efforts to transform low-carbon tourism policy into measurable action across the hotel sector
Read the News

Agoda Highlights Cool-Climate Destinations Across Asia Pacific for Summer Travelers
From New Zealand's winter landscapes to Malaysia's highlands, the travel platform recommends refreshing escapes from the summer heat
Read the News

Eurowings Celebrates GNTM Winner Aurélie with WINGS Magazine Cover
Flight attendant and Germany's Next Top Model winner becomes the face of the airline's summer in-flight magazine
Read the News

International Visitors Expected to Spend Nearly €64 Billion in Spain This Summer
Tourism spending is forecast to outpace visitor growth again as Spain prepares for another record summer season
Read the News

IHG Surpasses 200 Hotels in Canada as Expansion Continues
New openings and upcoming brand launches strengthen the company's long-term growth strategy
Read the News

Harbour City Celebrates Toy Story 5 with Large-Scale Hong Kong Carnival
Immersive attractions, interactive experiences and exclusive exhibitions transform the waterfront destination into a Toy Story universe