Airlines Strategy
ITA Airways Plans 500 Hires and Fleet Growth After Lufthansa Deal
ITA Airways to hire 500 employees in 2026 and expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030 after Lufthansa acquires a 41% stake.
This article summarizes reporting by La Repubblica. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
Following the finalization of Lufthansa’s 41% stake acquisition in ITA Airways earlier this month, the Italian flag carrier has outlined a comprehensive strategy shifting from consolidation to aggressive growth. In a recent interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart detailed plans to hire 500 new staff members in 2026 and expand the airline’s fleet to 100 aircraft by the end of the decade.
The strategic roadmap comes as the airline prepares to exit the SkyTeam alliance and integrate with the Star Alliance network, aligning itself with new partners such as United Airlines and Air Canada. According to Eberhart’s comments to the Italian press, the carrier is prioritizing long-haul connectivity to the Americas and demanding higher operational efficiency from its primary hub at Rome Fiumicino (FCO).
The centerpiece of the 2026 strategy is a significant recruitment drive aimed at supporting the airline’s increasing capacity. Eberhart confirmed to La Repubblica that the carrier intends to bring on 500 new employees this year.
The hiring plan specifically targets flight operations personnel to staff incoming aircraft. The breakdown provided in the report includes:
Eberhart noted that former staff from Alitalia, the predecessor entity, would be considered for these positions, signaling a potential return for experienced crew members who were not initially transitioned to the new company.
To support this workforce expansion, ITA Airways is aggressively renewing and growing its Strategy. The CEO stated that the airline aims to reach a total fleet size of 100 aircraft by 2030. The immediate focus is on long-haul capabilities, which Eberhart described as the “backbone” of the carrier’s future profitability.
According to the interview, the fleet rollout schedule includes:
The fleet will transition to an all-next-generation composition, utilizing Airbus A320neo, A220, A330neo, and A350 models to drive down fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Geopolitical constraints have forced a strategic realignment of ITA Airways’ route network. Eberhart explained that the ongoing closure of Russian airspace has made Asian routes significantly longer and more expensive to operate. Consequently, the airline is pivoting its focus toward North-America and South America. As part of this transatlantic push, the airline is currently studying a new route connecting Rome (FCO) to Newark (EWR). This potential addition would complement existing services to New York JFK and align with the hub structure of United Airlines, a key partner in the Star Alliance.
While outlining growth targets, Eberhart also addressed the infrastructure requirements necessary for ITA Airways to compete as a global hub carrier. He emphasized the need for “a more efficient airport,” referring to Rome Fiumicino.
“Serve un aeroporto più efficiente [We need a more efficient Airports].”
While Fiumicino has received accolades for passenger satisfaction, the CEO’s comments highlight the technical demands of a hub-and-spoke model. To compete with major European hubs like Frankfurt or Munich, the airport must support tight connection windows and rapid turnaround times for waves of incoming and outgoing flights.
Despite reporting a positive EBIT (Operating Profit) for the previous year, ITA Airways posted a net loss. Eberhart attributed this largely to external factors, specifically citing engine issues. The grounding of aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine defects reportedly caused approximately €150 million in damages. High aircraft leasing costs also contributed to the net loss.
With Lufthansa now holding a minority stake, questions regarding the brand’s future have surfaced. Eberhart confirmed that the name “ITA Airways” will remain. However, he acknowledged the enduring value of the Alitalia brand, which the company acquired during its formation. He hinted that iconic elements of the Alitalia identity, such as the stylized “A” on the tail, could be revived to enrich the current brand.
Operationally, the carrier is set to leave SkyTeam and join Star Alliance in 2026. Immediate integration priorities include aligning the Volare loyalty program with Lufthansa’s Miles & More and expanding codeshare agreements to feed traffic into the Rome hub.
The pivot to the Americas is a pragmatic response to the closure of Russian airspace, but it also places ITA Airlines directly into the highly competitive transatlantic market. By joining Star Alliance, ITA gains access to the massive North American feed of United Airlines and Air Canada, a critical advantage it lacked within SkyTeam relative to the Delta/Air France-KLM joint venture.
However, Eberhart’s comments on airport efficiency suggest a looming friction point. As ITA attempts to scale its “wave” model at Fiumicino, the airport’s infrastructure will be tested. If turnaround times cannot match those of Munich or Zurich, the efficiency gains promised by the Lufthansa partnership may be slower to materialize. Sources:
ITA Airways Targets Growth with 500 New Hires and Fleet Expansion Following Lufthansa Deal
Workforce and Fleet Expansion
Recruitment Breakdown
Long-Haul Fleet Strategy
Network Shift: Focus on the Americas
Operational Challenges and Hub Efficiency
Financial Headwinds
Brand Identity and Alliance Integration
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: Lufthansa