ITA Airways Join SkyTeam

ITA Airways that was born from the ashes of Alitalia has today joined the SkyTeam alliance.

ITA Airways has already launched its frequent-flier program (read more here) that offers status matches from most programs. The airline has also purchased the name of Alitalia and Alitalia’s website addresses. MilleMiglia, Alitalia’s frequent flier program, is not yet part of ITA Airways (it could be at a later point).

You can access ITA Airways here and SkyTeam here.

Here’s the announcement from the SkyTeam:

AMSTERDAM, 29 October 2021 – SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has welcomed ITA Airways – Italy’s new national carrier – into the alliance, replacing Alitalia. With ITA Airways on board, SkyTeam’s 700 million customers will continue to enjoy seamless connections to key destinations across Italy.  

 

“For more than 20 years, the Italian market has been a cornerstone of SkyTeam’s European network and no other airline alliance connects Italy better to the world. We warmly welcome ITA Airways’ decision to join our alliance and ensure continuity of service for the millions of customers who choose SkyTeam as their preferred alliance to Italy,” said Walter Cho, SkyTeam Chairman. “SkyTeam and our members look forward to working with ITA Airways to establish long-term partnership opportunities going forward.”

Alfredo Altavilla, Executive Chairman of ITA Airways said: “Joining SkyTeam is a natural step, enabling us to continue to deliver a global network and seamless experience that customers flying to and from Italy expect. We look forward to close cooperation with our SkyTeam partners to support the start-up of our company, the Italian flag carrier.”

Alitalia ceased operations on 14 October and left the SkyTeam global airline alliance on the same date. SkyTeam has agreed with Alitalia Loyalty to continue the partnership that will enable the six million members of the MilleMiglia frequent flyer program to earn and redeem miles on selected SkyTeam members’ flights, offering a wealth of opportunities and exclusive services.

ITA Airways is also working closely with SkyTeam and its members to roll out SkyTeam-branded benefits that customers enjoy across the alliance, including priority airport services.

Remember to sign up for the ITA Airways program and do a status match

ITA Launches Volare With 10,000 Bonus Points & Status Match Offers

Conclusion

Once ITA Airways acquires the MilleMiglia frequent flier program, the transformation from Alitalia to ITA Airways back to Alitalia is complete.

There is an interesting tidbit on the press release above that MilleMiglia members can continue to earn and redeem on select SkyTeam member airlines for now. Alitalia’s website is down (only refund information is shown), and there is no information on how current MilleMiglia members could achieve this.

When the handover from Alitalia to ITA Airways took place, MilleMiglia stated that members could earn and utilize SkyPriority benefits on KLM, Air France, and Middle Eastern Airlines (MEA) flights. It is not clear if this has now expanded to more member airlines.