SkyTeam Welcomes New Italian Start-up Airline ITA Airways

Updated: February 3, 2025, 10:52am CST

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An Important Next Step
All Is Not Lost for Loyal Alitalia Frequent Flyers
Final Thoughts

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ITA Airways joined SkyTeam in 2021 but parted ways with the alliance in February 2025. The airline and its Volare loyalty program are being integrated into the Lufthansa Group. The airline is expected to join Star Alliance in 2026.

ITA Airways is the replacement Italian flag carrier of its predecessor Alitalia, which ceased to operate as of October 14, 2021.

On Friday, October 29, 2021, it was announced the start-up airline would officially join the SkyTeam airline alliance.

“We warmly welcome ITA Airways’ decision to join our alliance and ensure continuity of service for the millions of customers who choose SkyTeam as their preferred alliance to Italy,” said Walter Cho, chairman of SkyTeam and Korean Air CEO.

An Important Next Step

Following the airline’s official launch on October 15, 2021, confirming its membership in an airline alliance would have been high on its agenda.

Being a member of SkyTeam will be beneficial to not just the airline itself, but more importantly SkyTeam and ITA passengers.

Passengers will be able to connect seamlessly between ITA and SkyTeam member airlines’ flights and make the most of the new destinations the ITA brings to the network.

For example, passengers flying Delta from across the U.S. on direct flights to Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO), and Venice (VCE) will be able to connect seamlessly onto ITA Airways flights to 14 additional destinations in Italy, including Catania (CTA), Naples (NAP), Turin (TRN), and Verona (VRN).

Ruins of Pompeii Italy — The ruins of Pompeii, near Naples. Image Credit: Andy Holmes via Unsplash

ITA will benefit financially by capturing those connecting passengers that otherwise might not have flown ITA if it weren’t for its SkyTeam membership.

“Joining SkyTeam is a natural step, enabling us to continue to deliver a global network and seamless experience that customers flying to and from Italy expect,” said Alfredo Altavilla, Executive Chairman of ITA Airways.

The introduction of reciprocal elite benefits for frequent flyers, such as airport lounge access, is currently being discussed between ITA Airways, SkyTeam, and SkyTeam members.

ITA has also already launched its own loyalty program, Volare, and is currently running a status match promotion.

All Is Not Lost for Loyal Alitalia Frequent Flyers

SkyTeam has also confirmed that members of Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program will still be able to earn and redeem miles on select flights in the SkyTeam network.

However, given that the Alitalia website provides no login access to the MilleMiglia program, it’s not clear how this would be possible.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to ITA Airways joining the SkyTeam alliance, frequent SkyTeam and Delta flyers in the U.S. will once again be able to benefit from their hard-earned elite status benefits while exploring Italy.

If you’re thinking of planning a trip on a SkyTeam member airline by using your miles, then why not check out our guide on how best to find SkyTeam awarded availability.