Italy's ITA Airways posts its first annual profit

March 25 (Reuters) - ITA Airways reported its first annual net profit at 209 million euros ($242 million) on Wednesday, even as it warned high fleet leasing costs would continue to weigh on profitability.

The Italian carrier, part of Lufthansa group LHAG.DE, said the results were aided by early cost benefits from the tie-up with the German airline, during what it described as a "complex year" marked by geopolitical challenges, aircraft availability issues and the absence of a U.S. partner.

"We know that to achieve fully sustainable profitability, we must reduce the burden of fleet leasing costs; we are already working resolutely on this," CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart said.

• ITA Airways is majority-owned by the Italian government and 41% by Lufthansa

• The airline's operating profit rose by 22 million to 25 million euros in 2025

• Revenue was 3.2 billion euros, of which passenger revenue made up 2.8 billion euros

• Passengers carried in 2025: 16.2 million, down 8% year-on-year

($1 = 0.8633 euros)