ITA Airways Board of Directors approves 2026-2030 Business Plan
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Focus on long-haul expansion, fleet renewal, and synergies with Lufthansa Group.
ITA Airways’ Board of Directors has approved the Company’s 2026-2030 Business Plan. The Plan is structured around three fundamental strategic pillars including strengthening the competitive position, the airline aims to establish itself as Italy’s reference carrier in close collaboration with the key sectors of tourism and international trade; 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, prioritising 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; Strengthening integration with the Lufthansa 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.
The 2026-2030 business plan places emphasis on expanding and strengthening the network, 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, tapping into growing markets and meeting the needs of an increasingly global customer base. In addition to intercontinental growth, the plan also targets expansion within Europe and the Mediterranean, leveraging partnerships to provide fast, efficient connections. Special attention is also given to innovating onboard and ground services, aiming to enhance the passenger experience.
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.
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+).
Starting in 2026, a program will be launched to grow and develop staff, closely aligned with the Company’s evolving fleet and network. “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: “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 cutting edge 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”.
