ITA Airways

ITA Airways, operating under the IATA code AZ and ICAO code ITY, stands as the modern incarnation of Italian aviation, having been established in 2020 as the direct successor to the historic Alitalia. The airline officially launched operations on October 15, 2021, following a carefully orchestrated transition that saw the Italian government initially hold full ownership through the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This structure was designed to preserve Italy’s national carrier status while introducing a leaner, more commercially focused business model. In a significant development, the Lufthansa Group announced in 2023 its intention to acquire a minority stake in ITA Airways, a move that was finalized with regulatory approval in early 2024, granting the German aviation giant a 41% share with options for full ownership in the future. This partnership is expected to strengthen ITA Airways’ competitive position within the European aviation landscape, though it remains an independent entity under Italian regulatory oversight.

The airline’s fleet strategy emphasizes modernity and efficiency, relying entirely on Airbus aircraft to simplify maintenance and reduce operational costs. As of 2025, ITA Airways operates a mix of narrow-body and wide-body jets, including the Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 for short- to medium-haul services, alongside the A319-100, A320-200, and A320neo for higher-density routes. The long-haul fleet comprises Airbus A330-200 and A330-900neo, with the Airbus A350-900 serving as the flagship for ultra-long-range operations. ITA Airways has also placed significant orders for the A321neo and additional A330neo deliveries, reflecting its commitment to fleet renewal and sustainability. The phased retirement of older A319 and A320ceo models, combined with a focus on next-generation aircraft, supports the airline’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and operational noise. This modern fleet composition allows ITA Airways to maintain high standards of passenger comfort, featuring advanced cabin interiors across all classes.

The airline’s primary hub is Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, which serves as the central node for both domestic and international connectivity, housing the majority of its long-haul operations and crew bases. Milan’s Linate Airport functions as a secondary hub, particularly for high-frequency domestic and European services, while Milan Malpensa Airport acts as a focus city for intercontinental flights, complementing the Rome hub. This dual-hub structure in Italy’s two largest metropolitan areas allows ITA Airways to effectively cover the country’s economic and tourist corridors. As a full-service network carrier and the de facto flag carrier of Italy, the airline offers a premium product that includes business and economy classes, with a focus on Italian hospitality, cuisine, and design. Its operational model integrates a loyalty program called Volare, which provides tiered benefits for frequent flyers, and it maintains interline and codeshare agreements to broaden its reach without joining a global alliance as a core member—though it is a key partner.

ITA Airways became a full member of the SkyTeam alliance on October 29, 2021, just two weeks after commencing operations, a rapid achievement that underscored its strategic importance in the global aviation community. This membership grants passengers access to a network of over 1,000 destinations across 170 countries through SkyTeam’s partner airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Korean Air. Among its notable milestones, the airline was awarded a four-star rating by Skytrax in 2023, recognizing its cabin comfort, onboard service, and overall passenger experience. ITA Airways has also invested heavily in digital innovation, such as biometric boarding and real-time flight updates, and in 2024 it launched a sustainable aviation fuel program to support its net-zero emissions targets by 2050. While still a young carrier, ITA Airways has positioned itself as a symbol of Italian aviation heritage, blending tradition with a forward-looking approach to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving airline industry.