ITA Airways Unveils Bold Expansion Strategy: Rome to Become Global Aviation Hub with New Long-Haul Routes
ITA Airways, the national airline of Italy and now partially under the Lufthansa Group, is embarking on a significant international expansion, aiming for full profitability by 2027. The airline is set to launch over a dozen new long-haul routes from its primary hub in Rome, including strategic transatlantic connections to Houston and Newark. This move is part of a transformative vision to strengthen its global presence, tap into high-yield international markets, and establish Rome as a world-class aviation hub.
The expansion reflects a strategic shift towards long-haul operations, a more lucrative segment compared to the competitive short-haul European market. Current plans include new gateways in Asia such as Osaka, Singapore, and Mumbai, with additional destinations in Africa under evaluation. This aggressive growth builds upon existing successful connections to major North American cities like New York, Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Recent financial indicators show promising results, with a twofold increase in passenger revenue from the long-haul segment and exceeding EBITDA targets by over €100 million. This performance validates the airline's focus on profitable long-distance travel. A key element of ITA's strategy is optimizing its Star Alliance partnerships, providing access to extensive codeshare opportunities and seamless connectivity. The new routes to Houston and Newark, both Star Alliance strongholds, exemplify this synergistic approach.
By enhancing transatlantic connectivity and expanding into Asia and Africa, ITA Airways aims to capture prime international markets, increase passenger traffic and revenue, and solidify its position as a robust international carrier. The modernization of its fleet with next-generation aircraft will further support this growth and sustainability goals.
