Airline partnerships continue to reshape long-haul connectivity by creating larger networks and seamless travel options across regions. ITA Airways’ entry into the Lufthansa Group and ANA Europe-Japan Joint Venture is set to strengthen links between Europe and Japan while opening new opportunities for travellers connecting through Southern Europe.
ITA Airways will join the Europe-Japan Joint Venture operated by Lufthansa Group and All Nippon Airways (ANA) from autumn 2026, further expanding one of the largest aviation partnerships between Europe and Japan.
The agreement was signed during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro and marks another milestone in ITA Airways’ integration into the Lufthansa Group following the carrier’s inclusion in the wider group strategy earlier this year.
The expanded partnership will incorporate ITA Airways’ European network, including domestic Italian services, destinations in the Maghreb region, and its long-haul Rome–Tokyo Haneda route. The move will increase connectivity options for travellers while enhancing the Joint Venture’s presence in Southern Europe.
Rome strengthens role as gateway
A key focus of the expanded agreement is Rome Fiumicino Airport, which serves as ITA Airways’ primary hub. The airline currently operates a daily non-stop service between Rome and Tokyo Haneda using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Under the Joint Venture arrangement, customers of ANA, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways will be able to access a more integrated network and combine flights across participating carriers. The cooperation will also allow better coordination of schedules, improving connections and travel flexibility.
For travellers from Japan, the addition of Rome as a major connecting point is expected to reduce journey times to destinations across Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and North Africa.
The partnership also complements ANA’s existing Tokyo Haneda–Milan Malpensa service, strengthening access to the Italian market.
Enhanced benefits for passengers
The Europe-Japan Joint Venture, established in 2012 by Lufthansa and ANA, already includes SWISS and Austrian Airlines. The addition of ITA Airways increases the number of participating carriers to five and expands the combined offering to approximately 160 weekly long-haul flights between Europe and Japan.
Passengers will benefit from coordinated services, integrated ticketing options, reciprocal loyalty programme recognition, lounge access, and expanded travel choices across both regions.
Juichi Hirasawa, President and Chief Executive Officer, All Nippon Airways, said: “With ITA Airways joining us to open up the gateway to Rome, we look forward to offering travellers exceptional service and even more convenient access to Italy, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean and beyond.”
Joerg Eberhart, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, ITA Airways, said: “This agreement represents a key milestone in the international development of ITA Airways and further strengthens the airline’s connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region, an area of major strategic importance.”
The development further reinforces the growing strategic importance of airline partnerships in enhancing global connectivity and improving network reach across key international markets.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.