Deutsche Lufthansa AG has announced plans to acquire an additional 49 percent stake in ITA Airways for EUR 325 million, increasing its total shareholding in the Italian carrier to 90 percent as part of its long-term European expansion strategy.
The announcement was made during Lufthansa Group’s 73rd Annual General Meeting, where around 1,600 shareholders participated. The remaining 10 percent stake in ITA Airways will continue to be held by Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. Following completion, ITA Airways will be fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group operationally and financially.
Joerg Eberhart, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of ITA Airways, described the development as a major strategic milestone for the airline, adding that deeper integration with Lufthansa Group would strengthen ITA Airways’ competitiveness in international markets while further enhancing Italy’s global connectivity.
Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr said the company had already initiated one of the fastest airline integrations in its history after acquiring the initial 41 percent stake last year, with plans to complete major integration steps within 18 months.
The Annual General Meeting also marked a leadership transition within Lufthansa Group. Dr. Johannes Teyssen was elected as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Dr. Karl-Ludwig Kley, who had chaired the board since 2017.
Shareholders also approved all nine agenda items, including the proposed dividend distribution of EUR 0.33 per share and the election of new Supervisory Board members.
Industry analysts view the move as another major consolidation step within the European aviation sector, strengthening Lufthansa Group’s position in Southern Europe and expanding its influence across key international markets.
