ITA Airways (Italy) is set to become a member of Star Alliance in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s evolution. This move aligns with ITA’s acquisition by Lufthansa (Germany), which is a prominent member of the global airline network.
The European Commission has granted approval under the EU Merger Regulation for easyJet (UK), IAG (UK), and Air France-KLM as suitable remedy takers. This decision comes as part of the commitments made by Lufthansa (Germany) and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to secure joint control over ITA Airways (Italy).
Lufthansa (Germany) has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Airbus A350-900, identified by serial number 672. The aircraft is powered by advanced Trent XWB-84 engines, further supporting Lufthansa’s strategy for fleet modernization and sustainability.
Discover Airlines (Germany) has revealed plans to launch a new Frankfurt–Larnaca route, with operations set to commence on 26 October 2025. The flights will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A320, further enhancing its network across Europe.
Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has stated that supply chain disruptions in the aviation industry are likely to persist until the end of the decade. Speaking about the ongoing challenges, Spohr highlighted that aircraft delivery delays remain a significant concern for airlines globally, affecting fleet expansion and modernization plans.
ITA Airways (Italy) chairman Antonino Turicchi has expressed optimism that the airline will secure final approval for its acquisition by Lufthansa Group (Germany) from the European Commission (EC) before the end of 2024. This approval marks a critical step in solidifying Lufthansa’s stake in the Italian national carrier.
Sky Alps, an Italian regional airline, has announced the launch of a new route connecting Klagenfurt (KLU) in Austria to Hannover (HAJ) in Germany. The service is scheduled to commence on May 1, 2025, and will be operated using Q400 aircraft.
DHL Aviation, a global leader in air cargo logistics, has expanded its fleet with the addition of an Airbus A300B4-600F, serial number 772. The aircraft will be operated by EAT Leipzig, DHL’s European Air Transport subsidiary, and is powered by PW4158 engines, known for their reliability and efficiency.
Klaus-Michael Kuhne, a significant shareholder of Lufthansa Group, has publicly voiced concerns about a perceived decline in service quality at Lufthansa and its subsidiary, SWISS. In his statement, Kuhne highlighted dissatisfaction with operational standards and hinted at plans to exert greater influence on the airline’s management to address these issues.
MHI RJ Aviation Group (Canada) and Maeve Aerospace (Germany) have announced a strategic partnership to cooperate on the development of Maeve’s innovative M80 aircraft. This collaboration will focus on providing engineering and advisory services, leveraging the expertise of both organizations to advance the M80’s design and bring it closer to market readiness.
