Saturday, June 7, 2025
ITA Airways is pushing its international ambitions to new heights with the inaugural of new, high-impact transatlantic routes from Rome to strategic markets such as Houston and Newark. Underlining its ambitions to expand aggressively internationally, the airline is looking to expand its transatlantic network, improve connectivity with the help of Star Alliance membership, and access highly sought-after markets in North America, Asia, and Africa. Not only is this expansion intended to increase passenger traffic and revenue, but it is also part of ITA Airways’ objective to be profitable by 2027 while turning Rome into a world-class aviation hub.
ITA Airways Unveils Bold Expansion Strategy with Over a Dozen New Long-Haul Routes from Rome

As part of a transformative vision to reshape its future, ITA Airways, the national airline of Italy and now partially under the strategic umbrella of Lufthansa Group, is preparing to launch an ambitious wave of long-haul route expansions from its primary hub in Rome. This initiative is a crucial component of the airline’s multi-year roadmap aimed at achieving full profitability by 2027.
In a determined effort to strengthen its global presence and tap into high-yield international markets, ITA Airways has revealed plans to add more than a dozen long-haul destinations in the next couple of years. Among the destinations identified are Houston and Newark—both key hubs for United Airlines, a fellow member of the Star Alliance network—as well as new gateways in Asia, such as Osaka, Singapore, and Mumbai. Additional destinations in Africa are reportedly under evaluation, reflecting the airline’s strategy to diversify its route network and expand beyond its current reach.

Strategic Shift Toward Long-Haul Profitability

ITA Airways’ evolving strategy clearly indicates a shift in focus toward long-haul operations, seen as a more lucrative segment amid the challenging landscape of short-haul competition in Europe. The airline’s current intercontinental network comprises sixteen routes, with nearly half serving destinations across North America. This features existing connections to major destinations such as New York, Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles. By enhancing transatlantic connectivity and expanding into new regions of Asia and Africa, the airline is positioning itself to build a stronger competitive edge.
This approach marks a departure from the struggles faced by its predecessor, Alitalia, which was long plagued by losses primarily tied to its dense but unprofitable short-haul network. Those routes, once dominated by point-to-point travel within Europe, were increasingly overtaken by budget carriers offering aggressive pricing and leaner operations. ITA Airways, in contrast, is betting on high-demand, premium international travel to drive revenue growth and long-term sustainability.

Encouraging Financial Indicators

Recent financial performance offers promising signs that this strategic realignment is bearing fruit. Over the past 18 months, the airline has reportedly seen a twofold increase in passenger revenue from its long-haul segment, fueled by higher demand for international travel and improved yield management. Even more encouraging, ITA Airways is said to have surpassed its earnings-before-interest-taxes-depreciation-and-amortization (EBITDA) targets by over one hundred million euros, a critical milestone that underscores the resilience of its international business model.
This performance serves as a validation of the airline’s decision to prioritize profitable long-distance travel over a saturated and competitive intra-European market. It also strengthens the carrier’s position within the broader Lufthansa Group, which has been guiding ITA Airways’ integration into its global alliance structure and operational framework.

Global Network Integration and Alliance Synergy

A key element of ITA Airways’ growth strategy is the optimization of its alliance partnerships, particularly within the Star Alliance network. By aligning with major carriers such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, and others, ITA gains access to extensive codeshare opportunities, smoother interline connectivity, and shared loyalty program benefits. These synergies enhance passenger experience and encourage long-term customer retention across transcontinental itineraries.
The planned new routes to Houston and Newark, both vital U.S. entry points and Star Alliance strongholds, exemplify how ITA intends to capitalize on alliance cooperation. These additions will not only bolster its U.S. footprint but also provide seamless onward connections to hundreds of North American cities.
Similarly, expansion into Asia through Osaka, Singapore, and Mumbai opens the door to lucrative business travel and tourism flows, especially from markets that are experiencing strong post-pandemic recovery. These destinations serve as vital commercial and cultural links between Europe and Asia, and ITA’s presence in these cities could offer significant revenue streams and strategic leverage.

Reimagining Rome as a Global Aviation Hub

The expanded network also positions Rome’s Fiumicino Airport as a stronger global hub. With strategic connections to North America, Asia, and Africa, Rome is poised to rival other European transit centers such as Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam. Enhanced connectivity will help drive inbound tourism, business travel, and global trade links, contributing to Italy’s broader economic objectives.
ITA Airways is also advancing its growth strategy through a comprehensive modernization of its fleet. With next-generation aircraft offering better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and higher capacity, the airline is preparing to handle increased international traffic while maintaining sustainability goals. The new aircraft will allow ITA to operate longer routes more efficiently and compete more aggressively on cost and comfort.

A Path to Profitability in 2027

The expansion of the long-haul network is central to ITA Airways’ five-year business plan, which sets 2027 as the target year for reaching profitability. The strategy rests on optimizing high-revenue routes, strengthening partnerships, expanding market share, and streamlining operations to eliminate the inefficiencies that historically plagued its predecessor.
As ITA leverages its long-haul strengths, it aims to achieve a more balanced and profitable route portfolio. The focus is no longer simply on competing for market share within Europe but on developing a sustainable, globally integrated business model. With strong performance indicators and backing from one of Europe’s most influential airline groups, ITA Airways is poised to emerge as a robust international carrier.

Final Outlook

ITA Airways is ramping up international expansion with strong new long-haul routes from Rome to Houston, New York/Newark, and additional destinations on the books, with the intent of capturing prime international markets and reaching profitability in the long term. These aggressive additions bolster the carrier’s transatlantic strength while turning Rome into a world-class aviation hub.
ITA Airways is no longer just rebuilding from Alitalia’s ashes—it is charting a new course with global ambitions and a clear plan to succeed in a competitive aviation market. By prioritizing long-haul profitability, expanding into under-served but high-potential markets, and aligning itself with powerful alliance partners, the airline is setting the foundation for a profitable and sustainable future.

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Tags: global aviation, Houston flights, ITA Airways, Italy international flights, Newark Flights, North America Routes, Rome Airport, Rome to Houston, Rome to Newark, Star Alliance, Travel News

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