How a regional Italian airline maintains its own identity under Lufthansa
In short: While most Lufthansa subsidiaries fly under their parent's name and colors, Air Dolomiti remains distinct. Named after the Dolomites, this Italian regional carrier has evolved from a small 1991 startup into a vital component of the Lufthansa Group's European network, balancing local Italian heritage with German corporate ownership.
Founded on 30 December 1989 by Linee Aeree Europee (L.A.E.), Air Dolomiti began its actual flight operations in January 1991. Its inaugural route connected Trieste to Genoa. By 1992, the airline had expanded into international service, flying from Verona to Munich. This early growth laid the foundation for its current role as a key regional player connecting Italy to major German hubs.
The airline's relationship with the Lufthansa Group has been a gradual process of integration. Lufthansa first acquired a 26% stake in January 1999. This holding increased to 52% in April 2003, before Lufthansa eventually took 100% ownership in July 2003. Despite this total acquisition, the airline has fought to retain its unique brand identity and specific services, such as its Settimocielo onboard service, which has collaborated with renowned chefs like Simone Rugiati in 2015 and Giancarlo Perbellini in 2016.
The airline's fleet strategy has seen significant shifts. In September 2018, Lufthansa planned a major expansion using 12 Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft from Lufthansa CityLine, though this plan faced uncertainty in late 2021. However, by spring 2022, two Embraer 195s had been transferred, and by late 2022, Lufthansa confirmed further transfers to strengthen its Italian presence following a failed bid for ITA Airways. By March 2024, the airline announced plans to expand its fleet to 25 aircraft within the year to support the wider Lufthansa Group network.
Today, as of August 2025, the airline connects 26 destinations in Italy to Frankfurt and Munich airports. Its fleet includes aircraft named after Italian operas, a tribute to the Arena di Verona, maintaining a strong cultural connection to its Italian roots.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Air Dolomiti
- Also: Wikidata — Air Dolomiti destinations · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Air Dolomiti · CC0
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