ITA Airways has received formal approval from the US Department of Transportation to launch a codeshare agreement with United Airlines, marking another strategic step in its alignment with Star Alliance and its growing role within the Lufthansa Group.

By Jarryd Sinovich

The green light, issued on 5 August, allows both airlines to place their flight codes on each other’s services, significantly expanding passenger options between Europe and North America. This new arrangement enables United Airlines customers to access ITA’s broad European network via Rome Fiumicino, while ITA passengers can now connect to a wider range of US and Canadian destinations through United’s domestic hubs.

Deepening Alliance Ties

The codeshare with United comes on the heels of a similar agreement signed in July between ITA Airways and Air Canada. That deal included not only codeshare operations but also the rollout of reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles across both networks.

Together, these partnerships reflect ITA’s clear trajectory toward deeper integration with Star Alliance, as well as the Lufthansa Group’s strategy to create greater synergy among its affiliated airlines. With Lufthansa in the process of acquiring a significant stake in ITA, these cross-network agreements are designed to harmonise commercial and operational frameworks ahead of formal alliance membership.

Bigger Network, Smoother Journeys

For passengers, the practical benefits are immediate. ITA Airways customers will be able to book direct flights to dozens of cities in North America via United’s hubs such as Newark (EWR), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO). In return, United passengers gain convenient one-stop access to cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa via ITA’s hub in Rome.

The agreement also supports broader connectivity for travellers arriving in Toronto, thanks to the earlier deal with Air Canada. ITA customers landing in Toronto (YYZ) can now access a wide range of onward destinations across Canada and the United States, while Air Canada passengers can connect through Rome to cities in Italy, Africa, Israel and the Balkans.

Expanded Long-Haul Reach via Lufthansa

Beyond North America, ITA Airways is also extending its global reach through an expanded codeshare agreement with Lufthansa Group airlines. Starting from 2 September, passengers can book additional long-haul flights operated by Lufthansa from Frankfurt and Munich to major cities in Asia and Africa.

New destinations now available to ITA customers via Lufthansa-operated flights include:

• Delhi (DEL)
• Mumbai (BOM)
• Seoul (ICN)

In parallel, Lufthansa passengers can access ITA-operated routes from Rome Fiumicino to:

• Accra (ACC)
• Dakar (DSS)
• Delhi (DEL)

These new additions build on previously launched codeshare connections through Brussels, where ITA linked passengers to West African capitals such as Abidjan, Freetown, Monrovia and Ouagadougou.

A Step Toward a Unified Global Network

This growing web of partnerships reinforces ITA Airways’ strategic ambition to become a fully integrated long-haul player. By collaborating with United, Air Canada and Lufthansa Group airlines, ITA is transitioning from a regional operator into a globally connected network carrier.

The extended codeshare framework offers passengers not only wider route access but also a more streamlined travel experience, with benefits such as:

• Single ticket itineraries across multiple carriers
• Coordinated schedules and baggage transfers
• Expanded frequent flyer earning and redemption options

With Star Alliance membership expected in the near future, ITA Airways is positioning itself to compete more effectively in the transatlantic market and beyond — not just as Italy’s flag carrier, but as a future cornerstone in one of the world’s most powerful airline alliances.