Lufthansa Cargo is set to commence selling cargo capacity on select ITA Airways long-haul routes, marking a deeper integration between the two carriers. This move follows Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways, the Italian national airline based in Rome, with plans to increase its ownership further subject to regulatory approval.
Flexibility and network reach
The first routes to be marketed by Lufthansa Cargo under its own Air Waybill (AWB) code will be flights from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). On other ITA-operated routes, both airlines will initially continue to issue cargo under separate AWB codes until full regulatory clearance is obtained.
With this collaboration, Rome Fiumicino becomes Lufthansa Cargo’s fifth hub, joining Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Brussels. Once integration is complete, Lufthansa Cargo will handle the belly cargo capacity of ITA Airways on both domestic and international routes, using its own booking systems. This is expected to boost Lufthansa Cargo’s global bellyhold capacity by nearly 20%, offering freight customers a broader selection of routes and improved service options.
According to Lufthansa Cargo CEO Ashwin Bhat, the new hub in Rome strengthens the company’s ability to provide fast and reliable cargo connections, especially in and out of Southern Europe. He emphasized the added flexibility and network reach that this partnership brings to shippers and forwarders.
ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart also welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the increased value for customers through the combined strength of the Lufthansa Group’s global fleet and the strategic positioning of Rome Fiumicino as a cargo hub.
Currently, ITA Airways operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, including 22 widebody planes such as the Airbus A350-900, A330-900neo, and A330-200, and serves around 70 destinations worldwide. The partnership positions Lufthansa Cargo to extend its global footprint and enhance cargo offerings across Europe and beyond.