ITA Airways is preparing to launch a voluntary separation process covering up to 180 employees in accordance with an agreement made with six unions and professional organizations.
The Italian airline had previously identified 226 employees as redundant. Following negotiations, this number was reduced to 180, and a consensus was reached to conduct the process on a voluntary basis rather than through mandatory layoffs.
According to the agreement, employees who join the program will receive unemployment benefits for up to 24 months. This amount will be supplemented by additional payments from the industry fund and support provided by ITA Airways.
The total support provided is intended to cover approximately 90 to 92 percent of the employees' current salaries. It is stated that the company management plans to avoid mandatory layoffs during the restructuring process.
It is noteworthy that while ITA Airways is reducing staff in some departments, it is also continuing its growth plans. The company is reported to be planning to open new routes in 2027 and hire more than 400 cabin crew members.
The process is being carried out as part of ITA Airways' integration into the Lufthansa Group. It is noted that Lufthansa plans to increase its current 41 percent stake in the company to 90 percent in the first quarter of 2027.
If this step is realized, the Lufthansa Group's control over ITA Airways will increase; more comprehensive changes in the Italian carrier's operational and corporate structure are expected to come to the agenda.
News Source: 12punto
