ITA Airways is taking another major step toward deeper integration with Lufthansa Group after confirming it will join the Europe-Japan joint venture operated by Lufthansa Group and ANA later this year.

The agreement, signed during the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, will expand one of the world’s largest airline partnerships between Europe and Japan and significantly increase connectivity between Italy and Asia.

Rome Becomes New Gateway Between Europe And Japan

The expansion places Rome Fiumicino Airport at the center of the new partnership.

ITA Airways currently operates a daily nonstop service between Rome and Tokyo Haneda, which will now become integrated into the broader joint venture network.

The addition complements ANA’s existing Tokyo Haneda-Milan Malpensa operation and creates additional routing options throughout Southern Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean.

From autumn 2026, customers flying with ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group airlines and ANA will gradually gain access to increasingly integrated booking options.

160 Weekly Long-Haul Flights Between Europe And Japan

With ITA joining the partnership, the Europe-Japan joint venture will now offer approximately 160 weekly long-haul flights.

The joint venture already includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and ANA.

Passengers will gain access to coordinated schedules, shared loyalty benefits, mutual lounge access and more flexible itineraries across multiple carriers.

Travelers flying via Rome could also benefit from shorter journey times when connecting between Japan and destinations across Southern Europe and North Africa.

Japan Remains Strategic Growth Market For ITA Airways

ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart described the agreement as a significant milestone for the airline’s international growth strategy.

According to Eberhart, expanding connectivity to Asia-Pacific remains a key priority as the airline continues strengthening its global network.

The partnership also gives ITA passengers greater access to ANA’s extensive domestic network beyond Tokyo.

Lufthansa Integration Continues Accelerating

The agreement represents another visible step in ITA Airways’ integration into Lufthansa Group following the German airline group’s investment in the Italian carrier.

The Europe-Japan joint venture, originally created in 2012 between Lufthansa and ANA, allows participating airlines to coordinate schedules, pricing strategies and customer offerings across one of aviation’s most competitive long-haul markets.

For passengers, the expansion means more connection options, coordinated schedules and simplified travel between Europe and Japan.