ROME (Reuters) -The board of ITA Airways has approved a 2026-2030 business plan focused on long-haul expansion, fleet renewal, and closer integration with shareholder Lufthansa, it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Italian carrier, majority-owned by the government and 41% by Lufthansa, aims to launch more intercontinental routes from Rome, targeting North America, South America, Asia, and Africa to boost tourism and trade.
The airline also plans to modernize its fleet, adding one new long-haul aircraft per year from 2026, with the goal of operating around 100 next-generation jets by 2030.
ITA expects deeper synergies with Lufthansa, including joining Star Alliance in 2026 and participating in joint ventures for transatlantic and Japanese routes.
“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,” said chairman Sandro Pappalardo.
ITA CEO Joerg Eberhart said the strategy would create jobs and generate a positive economic impact for the air transport
industry.
(Reporting by Angelo AmanteEditing by Keith Weir)
