Later in September, United Airlines and ITA Airlines will enter into a partnership ahead of the Italian airline joining the Lufthansa Group. On September 15, a codeshare and loyalty collaboration begins between the two carriers, which is a preview of ITA becoming part of the Star Alliance (to which United belongs) in January 2026.
The pact is the result of ITA’s changing ownership
In early 2025, Lufthansa bought a 41% stake in ITA from the Italian government. Currently, Lufthansa is integrating ITA into its group of airlines and partnerships. ITA was created from the assets of Alitalia, which dissolved in 2020. The new collaboration allows members of ITA’s Volare loyalty program and United’s MileagePlus program to rack up or use points on either carrier.
Under the codeshare, United will add a “UA” code to some ITA trips through Europe, including Italian destinations like Turin Airport (TRN), Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), and Florence Airport (FLR). United and ITA will connect at gateways including Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and Brussels Airport (BRU).
ITA will place its “AZ” code on United trips to some U.S. airports. Examples include Denver International Airport (DEN), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and George Bush International Airport (IAH) in Houston. The airlines also share several U.S. gateways, including Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The agreement between United and ITA is a preview of the Italian carrier becoming part of the existing joint venture among United, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. That’ll allow the airlines to work together on scheduling, sales, fares, and more in North America and Canada.
