More intercontinental connections and new aircraft for Ita Airways in the 2026-2030 Plan
New routes are planned to connect Rome Fiumicino with North America, South America, Asia and Africa. Development of connections also in Europe and the Mediterranean basin
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Key points
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Longer haul with an expansion of intercontinental destinations departing from the Rome Fiumicino hub and the expansion of the 100-aircraft fleet with five new aircraft over the next five years.
New routes to America, Asia and Africa
.The development of the network and fleet is one of the three strategic guidelines of the 2026-2030 Industrial Plan of Ita Airways approved by the board of directors of the company (59% owned by Mef and 41% by Lufthansa), which aims at strengthening the network, with the opening of new routes connecting Rome Fiumicino with North America, South America, Asia and Africa.
The Plan also envisages developments in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, exploiting synergies with commercial partners to offer fast and efficient connections. At the end of the plan period, the fleet will consist almost entirely of new-generation aircraft. Of course there remains the issue of the delay in the delivery of the aircraft, the two Airbuses that were already to be delivered are still awaited.
As already mentioned, the Plan envisages the introduction of an additional long-haul aircraft for each year starting from 2026, the entry of latest-generation aircraft being accompanied by the gradual retirement of old-generation ones. The fleet will average around 100 aircraft, which, by 2030, will be entirely made up of new-generation models, with the aim of encouraging the adoption of the most advanced and sustainable aeronautical technologies in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
More operational synergies with Lufthansa Group
One of the other two guidelines of the plan is to strengthen its competitive position: Ita Airways aims to consolidate itself as the Italian reference carrier and to offer an excellent service to business and leisure customers, with a focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability. Thirdly, consolidation in the Lufthansa group, the fourth largest in the world, as a strategic lever to capitalise on operational and commercial synergies, guaranteeing access to new markets. Over the course of the Plan, the acquisition of 90% of Ita by Lufthansa is foreseen, up to the subsequent 100%.
