Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Ita Airways expects small operating profit despite higher fuel costs
Ita Airways, Italy’s main airline, expects a small operating profit in 2026, despite geopolitical tensions and jet fuel costs more than double their level a year earlier.
The carrier says it is well protected against fuel price changes this year, but expects to pay €150 million to €170 million more for fuel.
Higher revenue per passenger and early savings from working with Lufthansa are expected to help offset those costs.
The company is seeking 226 voluntary staff exits while planning about 400 pilot and cabin crew hires, as it changes how it operates.
Lufthansa is working to raise its stake in Ita to 90%, and Ita is preparing to add routes in South America, including Caracas and Lima.
Ita also expects a small operating profit in 2027, with its chief executive calling for a pause in EU carbon costs; the airline says higher fares and new projects will help support its finances.
Ita Airways expects a positive operating result in 2026, slightly better than its 2025 result, despite higher fuel costs and operational disruptions.
Chief executive Joerg Eberhart said the airline expects to pay €150 million to €170 million more for jet fuel in 2026 than a year earlier.
The airline is seeking 226 voluntary exits while planning to hire about 400 pilots and flight attendants.
Eberhart said higher revenue per unit and early cost savings from synergies with Lufthansa are helping the results.
Ita is also preparing to expand in South America, including with routes to Caracas and Lima.
- Who
- Ita Airways, Italy’s main airline, and its chief executive, Joerg Eberhart.
- What
- The airline expects a positive operating result in 2026, despite higher fuel costs.
- When
- The forecast is for 2026; Eberhart also expects a small operating profit in 2027.
- Where
- Ita Airways is based at Rome Fiumicino; its planned South American expansion includes Caracas and Lima.
- Why
- Higher revenue per unit and early cost savings from synergies with Lufthansa are helping offset higher fuel costs and disruptions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ita Airways recorded an operating profit of 25.1 million euros.
The airline expects a positive operating result, slightly better than in 2025.
Ita plans 226 voluntary exits and about 400 hires of pilots and flight attendants.
Eberhart expects the airline to make a small operating profit again.
- 2026 operating result
- Positive; expected to be slightly better than 2025
- 2025 operating profit
- 25.1 million euros
- Extra jet fuel costs in 2026
- 150 million to 170 million euros
- Planned voluntary exits
- 226
- Planned hires
- About 400 pilots and flight attendants
- Planned South American destinations
- Caracas and Lima
What people are saying
For the full year we expect a positive operating result.
I think it will be a little better than zero.
Between 150 and 170 million euros more.
First we have to work on costs.