The directors of Italy’s ITA Airways on Wednesday signed off on a five-year business plan that calls for the launch of new long-haul routes to North America.
The plan envisions expanded service from ITA’s hub at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport to “key destinations” in North America, as well as South America, Asia, and Africa. No specific cities were listed.
“These new routes will not only promote inbound tourism to Italy but also increase commercial and cultural exchanges, reinforcing ITA Airways’ role as a bridge between Italy and the world,” the carrier wrote.
ITA plans to support its growing route network by taking delivery of one new long-haul aircraft each year starting in 2026, allowing for the retirement of older models. The fleet is expected to average out to about 100 airplanes.
Last month, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that ITA is considering launching nonstop routes from Rome to Newark, New Jersey, and Houston, citing people with knowledge of the company’s discussions. The airline declined to comment.
In North America, ITA currently flies nonstop to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Miami, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington Dulles.
The airline’s 2026-2030 business plan also calls for strengthening integration with Germany’s Lufthansa Group. In January, Lufthansa acquired a 41% stake in ITA for about $350 million. The deal will give Lufthansa full control of ITA by 2033, for a total investment of about $951 million. In the meantime, the remaining part of ITA will continue to be held by the Italian Treasury.
