ITA Airways and United Airlines launch new codeshare to boost Italy–USA connectivity

 ROME – ITA Airways and United Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement designed to strengthen transatlantic connectivity and enhance travel options for passengers flying between Italy and the United States.

The partnership, effective September 15, 2025, supports ITA Airways’ long-haul growth strategy and further expands United Airlines’ already extensive Italian network. Passengers can now book codeshare tickets to benefit from seamless itineraries, coordinated schedules, and integrated loyalty rewards.

Strategic expansion for ITA Airways

“The codeshare agreement with United Airlines represents a significant step forward in ITA Airways’ strategy to expand its network to new intercontinental destinations,” said Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways. “Through this partnership, we are strengthening our presence in the U.S. market – our second most important after the domestic one – by offering passengers the opportunity to reach additional destinations in the United States via connections granted by our new important partner, United Airlines, and we will be happy to carry American passengers on our flights from Rome Fiumicino to Italian and international destinations. This initiative is part of a broader growth plan in international markets, which is expected to progress with ITA Airways joining Star Alliance in 2026, following continued integration into the Lufthansa Group. We are proud to enhance our travel offering through this synergy with United Airlines.”

“United has served Italy for over 33 years and today offers nonstop services from Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice and Palermo to the U.S,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President, Global Network Planning and Alliances. “ITA Airways and United share a commitment to offering our customers more choices, more destinations, and more opportunities to explore – and with this new loyalty and codeshare cooperation, our customers will benefit from even greater connectivity and a more seamless travel experience when traveling on each other’s networks.”

The development comes ahead of ITA Airways’ planned entry into Star Alliance in 2026, further deepening its integration into the Lufthansa Group.

Added value for passengers

The codeshare enables travelers to book single-ticket itineraries with baggage checked through to the final destination. ITA Airways’ AZ code will be placed on United-operated flights across the U.S., while United’s UA code will appear on the Italian airline’s services within Italy, Europe, and beyond. Frequent flyers will also benefit from reciprocal mileage earning and redemption through ITA’s Volare and United’s MileagePlus programs, with lounge access available for eligible tier members.

Expanded destinations

Through this partnership, the Italian airline passengers gain access to new U.S. cities including Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), and Newark (EWR), complementing its own 2025 summer U.S. schedule covering Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Meanwhile, United Airlines customers will enjoy easier connections to popular Italian cities such as Bari, Bologna, Florence, Catania, and Turin, as well as broader European and intercontinental destinations via Rome.

Tags: Joerg Eberhart, ITA Airways, Patrick Quayle,  Global Network Planning and Alliances,  United Airlines