ITA Airways moves closer to Star Alliance, signed codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines

The entry of Lufthansa into the share capital of ITA Airways will bring, among many changes, The transition from Skyteam to Star Alliance, and it is in this light that today's signing of the codeshare agreement must be viewed.

Turkish Airlines is the carrier that flies to the most countries in the world, from Italy flies from many airports to its hub in Istanbul.

The two companies announced the beginning of a codeshare partnership that will be effective from July 2023. The agreement signed between the two flag carriers will offer greater flexibility in terms of flight options for customers of both airlines between Italy and Turkey.

Thanks to this codeshare partnerships, ITA Airways flight codes will be applied on Turkish Airlines flights between Rome and Istanbul; at the same time Turkish Airlines will place its codes on 9 ITA Airways destinations in Italy from Rome, including Brindisi, Bari, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, Turin and Trieste. This partnership will provide improved services to customers of both airlines, ensuring complete connectivity with a single ticket from passenger and baggage check-in to arrival at the final destination.

Bilal Ekşi, Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, said, "Rome and Istanbul have always been outstanding cities for attracting and connecting people. I firmly believe that this codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and ITA Airways will develop the existing network, offering even more destinations and foster cooperation and traffic between two high-potential countries. In addition, this partnership is an important step to stimulate tourism, expand Turkish Airlines' catchment area and improve customer benefits."

"With the codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, we continue our commercial strategy of growth, which has also been achieved through partnerships with major world carriers," said Fabio Lazzerini, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager ITA Airways - Thanks to the agreement with Turkish Airlines, for all ITA Airways passengers a privileged gateway to Istanbul, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the world, opens up. This agreement represents the Company's 32nd codeshare: an excellent result that we have managed to achieve in less than two years."

For Italian passengers, this is important news, namely that of being able to flying through Istanbul to the network of one of the world's largest airlines, with a single ticket and without having to worry about doing a second check-in.

There is no information regarding the accumulation of points in the respective loyalty programs or even recognition of status, which is normally the case when there are such agreements, but Flying, as we have written many times, is not a normal program and already does not allow the accumulation of points for flights made with airlines other than ITA. Status recognition is important because it would allow ITA's elite passengers to board with extra baggage and access the beautiful lounge in Istanbul.

• Flying