di Leonard Berberi
Interview with CEO Joerg Eberhart: the impact of Lufthansa’s investment, the Middle East conflict, and the focus on transatlantic flights
Some call it the “Fiumicino miracle.” Ita Airways, Italy’s main airline, after losing € 866 million from its launch in October 2021 through December 31, 2024, posted a net profit of € 209 million last year. This is the best result in decades, including also the predecessor Alitalia. 2025, however, was a challenging year for Ita, with more than a quarter of its fleet grounded due to issues with next-generation engines.
After Lufthansa investment
Joerg Eberhart, CEO and managing director who took the helm in mid-January 2025 — after Lufthansa acquired a 41% stake in the company, while the remaining 59% is held by the Italian Treasury — cautions against over-optimism. The path to a stable profit is still long, uncertainties remain, and the world outside is volatile. “Still, this result is thanks to all our employees,” Eberhart said in an interview with Corriere della Sera on the eve of Ita joining Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance.
Let’s talk about the €209 million. How did you get there?
“First, there’s EBIT, which
