ANA and Lufthansa Group to Add ITA Airways to Their Europe Japan Joint Venture

Why It Matters

The move deepens network connectivity between Europe and Asia‑Pacific, giving travelers more seamless itineraries and strengthening ITA’s foothold in a high‑value market. It also enhances revenue opportunities for the five airlines through coordinated scheduling and shared loyalty benefits.

Key Takeaways

• ITA joins ANA-Lufthansa Europe‑Japan JV this autumn
• Rome‑Tokyo nonstop becomes bookable across five airline carriers
• Joint venture now offers 160 weekly long‑haul flights between Europe and Japan
• Passengers gain shorter connections to Southern Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa
• Loyalty programs and lounges become mutually recognized for ITA and partners

Pulse Analysis

The Europe‑Japan joint venture, launched in 2012 by ANA and the Lufthansa Group, has become the airline industry’s largest cooperation linking the two continents. Initially built around ANA’s Tokyo‑Milan service, the partnership later incorporated SWISS and Austrian Airlines, creating a seamless network across five carriers. By inviting ITA Airways into the fold, the JV not only adds Italy’s capital hub but also aligns with Lufthansa’s strategy to deepen its presence in the Mediterranean corridor. The recent antitrust clearance from Japanese regulators removes the final legal hurdle, paving the way for operational rollout this autumn.

From Rome‑Fiumicino, ITA operates a daily nonstop to Tokyo‑Haneda, a route that will become bookable for passengers of ANA, Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines. This integration enables travelers to combine the Rome‑Tokyo flight with a wide array of feeder services to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, shortening overall travel times. Mutual recognition of loyalty programs and access to partner lounges in both Rome and Tokyo further enhances the value proposition, while coordinated scheduling across the five airlines smooths capacity distribution and reduces congestion on peak itineraries.

The expanded JV positions the five carriers to capture a larger share of the lucrative Japan‑Europe traffic, which has rebounded strongly after pandemic disruptions. By offering 160 weekly long‑haul seats and more flexible connections, the alliance can better compete with other global airline groups and emerging Middle‑East carriers that target the same market. Analysts expect the Rome hub to generate incremental revenue for ITA and provide Lufthansa Group with a strategic foothold in Southern Europe, while passengers benefit from a truly integrated travel experience across two continents.