DELHI- ITA Airways (AZ), the Italian flag carrier based at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), is developing its 2026–2030 business plan with the aim of launching over a dozen new long-haul routes.
The airline is targeting key intercontinental destinations to enhance profitability and strengthen its role within the Lufthansa Group.
Planned destinations include major cities across North America, Asia, Africa, and India. Routes under consideration span from Newark (EWR) and Houston (IAH) in the U.S., to Mumbai (BOM), Singapore (SIN), and Osaka (KIX), with network synergies playing a vital role in route selection.
ITA Airways New Routes
As part of its confidential industrial strategy, ITA Airways is shifting focus from short-haul competition toward profitable long-haul operations.
The plan—developed jointly by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (59% stake) and Lufthansa (41%)—targets global growth while maximizing connections with partner airlines across continents.
The airline’s CEO, Joerg Eberhart, speaking during the IATA AGM in New Delhi (DEL) with Corriere, emphasized the long-haul segment’s revenue potential.
Fleet growth will be modest but focused, with five widebody aircraft (four Airbus A350s and one A330neo) added over five years. Each new jet is aligned with an intercontinental destination in the carrier’s network blueprint.
North and South American Connectivity
By 2027, ITA Airways aims to increase U.S. connectivity with new flights from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH). Both destinations are hubs for United Airlines (UA), ITA’s transatlantic joint venture partner within the “A++” alliance alongside Lufthansa and Air Canada (AC).
In South America, high load factors are encouraging plans for frequency upgrades to Buenos Aires (EZE), with strategic alignment through Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR). Santiago de Chile (SCL), once a profitable Alitalia route despite past losses, is under review for future inclusion—pending yield analysis.
Asia-Pacific Route Development
The Asian expansion will be anchored by a new Rome–Singapore (SIN) service, leveraging Lufthansa’s joint venture with Singapore Airlines (SQ).
Additionally, Osaka Kansai (KIX) is under review to complement ITA’s existing Tokyo Haneda (HND) service, deepening cooperation with All Nippon Airways (NH), a key Lufthansa Group partner.
India is another focal point, with a planned 2026 launch of Rome–Mumbai (BOM) to supplement New Delhi (DEL) services, taking advantage of Air India’s (AI) connectivity.
Africa and Seasonal Leisure Markets
In Africa, ITA Airways is considering routes to Lagos (LOS) and Abidjan (ABJ) using Airbus A321neo aircraft, given their suitability for medium-haul intercontinental service.
However, underperforming routes like Dakar (DSS) and Jeddah (JED) may be reviewed, while Riyadh (RUH) remains strong.
To tap into Italy’s winter tourism demand, ITA is exploring counter-seasonal services to destinations such as Zanzibar (ZNZ), Santo Domingo (SDQ), and Havana (HAV), likely marketed via holiday packages.
China, Russia, and Geopolitical Conditions
The reopening of Russian airspace to EU carriers may revive suspended eastbound ambitions. Potential destinations include Moscow (SVO), Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Hong Kong (HKG).
There is also interest in reinstating Alitalia-era routes like Tehran (IKA), Beirut (BEY), and Amman (AMM), contingent on geopolitical stability and commercial feasibility.
Focus on Profitability and Network Synergy
Each route under consideration reflects ITA’s shift toward revenue-driven decisions, emphasizing partner synergies, load factors, and yield optimization.
The airline’s integration into the Lufthansa Group network amplifies its ability to secure connectivity at key hubs, enhancing route viability and long-term profitability.
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