Lufthansa CEO Comments on Ticket Prices – Changes at Frankfurt Airport

The Italian airline ITA will soon be fully integrated as a subsidiary of Lufthansa. But what does this mean for passengers and ticket prices? Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr has made clear statements on the matter and outlined upcoming changes at Frankfurt Airport.

No Hope for Lower Ticket Prices

After Lufthansa’s acquisition of ITA, passengers should not expect lower airfares. On the contrary, ticket prices across Europe could rise due to increasing operational costs, Spohr explained at a press conference in Rome. Rising costs for fuel and personnel are key factors, along with Lufthansa’s goal of achieving sustainable profitability. According to Spohr, ITA will be integrated into the group as a 100% subsidiary from the very beginning and will be managed according to the same business standards as the rest of Lufthansa.

Lufthansa Aims for ITA Profitability – Full Synergies by 2027

Lufthansa expects ITA to achieve positive financial results in its first year after the acquisition. The group is targeting an operating margin of 8% for all its airlines, a goal that is also expected for ITA in the medium term. However, this will not be achievable in the first year, as full synergy effects will only be felt after about 18 months. By 2027, these savings should take full effect, ensuring long-term profitability for ITA.

Changes at Frankfurt Airport Starting in March

With the start of the summer flight schedule on March 30, 2024, ITA passengers will be handled at the same terminals as Lufthansa passengers in Frankfurt and Munich. Specifically:

• Frankfurt: ITA flights will be handled at Terminal 1.
• Munich: ITA passengers will use Terminal 2.

Additionally, flight schedules will be more closely integrated, allowing passengers to book Lufthansa and ITA flights under both airline codes, offering greater flexibility in travel planning. The frequent flyer program will also be harmonized:

• Miles & More members will be able to earn and redeem miles on ITA flights.
• Conversely, ITA’s Volare program will now also apply to the Lufthansa Group.

Background on the ITA Acquisition

After long negotiations, Lufthansa acquired a 41% stake in ITA in mid-January for €829 million. The Italian government remains the majority shareholder, while Lufthansa aims to fully acquire ITA in the long term. The agreement also includes a variable purchase price component, depending on ITA’s economic performance.

More Comfort, But No Cheaper Flights

While ITA’s integration into Lufthansa offers many benefits for travelers, including better connections and a unified frequent flyer program, passengers in Europe should expect rising ticket prices. Frankfurt Airport will play a key role in ITA’s new positioning, serving as its primary hub in Germany from late March onwards.

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Article Author

Lena Müller

Operations

<p><span style="white-space:pre-wrap;">With a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management and over five years of hands-on experience, Lena's contributions have been nothing short of transformative.</span></p>