en.Wedoany.com Reported - Germany's Lufthansa is accelerating the expansion plans of ITA Airways, the airline hub based in Rome, after acquiring a majority stake. ITA Airways achieved operational break-even in 2025, and despite the ongoing impact of high fuel prices, its medium-term expansion plans remain unchanged. CEO Jörg Eberhart stated: "Long-haul business in Rome is growing by an average of 6% annually, twice the rate of the rest of Europe. This is unique outside of Asia." He reaffirmed a steeper growth trajectory, planning to expand the long-haul fleet to around 30 aircraft by 2030, six more than originally planned.

Currently, ITA Airways' intercontinental fleet consists of 14 Airbus A330-900s and 6 Airbus A350-900s. Eberhart sees opportunities on South American routes, such as Lima and Santiago de Chile, destinations Lufthansa has not previously served. Regarding the shareholding structure, Lufthansa currently holds a 41% stake in ITA Airways, with the Italian government retaining the remaining shares. The option window to increase the stake to 90% opens in June 2026, with the increase planned for completion in 2027, and the final 10% can be acquired by 2033 at the latest. The entire transaction includes an initial investment of €325 million, a second step of another €325 million, and a success bonus of up to €100 million payable to the state party.

Eberhart described the cooperation with the Italian government as smooth and even welcomed the state retaining a 10% stake. ITA Airways achieved an operating profit of €25 million in 2025, although currency effects and leasing contracts had some impact on the balance sheet. The company has just completed the process of joining the Star Alliance, and Lufthansa's next step is to integrate it into the transatlantic joint venture A++, operated jointly with United Airlines and Air Canada, having already submitted an antitrust immunity application in September 2025.

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