Italian Flag Carrier ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance
by Bruce Parkinson
ITA Airways was formed in 2020 following the bankruptcy of Alitalia.
ITA Airways marked its entry into the Star Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The Italian flag carrier is the 26th member of the alliance, which also includes Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air China, Air India and many others.
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.
“On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance,” said Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias.
“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.”
ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.
As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer program recognition, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan and Catania.
With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now offers more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.
