LOT Polish Airlines Places Order for 40 Airbus A220s

LOT Polish Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, has officially entered its first Airbus deal with a firm order for 40 A220-family jets. The agreement could land the airline with up to 84 new airplanes under its fleet modernization efforts.

“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with LOT, leveraging Airbus global expertise to support its renewal program and ensure the A220's seamless integration," stated Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus’s EVP of Sales for Commercial Aircraft.

The airline currently operates a Boeing-dominated fleet, consisting of 787-8, 787-9, 737 MAX 8, 777-200, and 737-800 jets. It also flies several Embraers, including the 195, 195-E2, 170, 175, and 190 types.

Now, A220s will begin replacing aging Embraers, offering better efficiency and range without requiring LOT to jump all the way to a narrowbody mainline jet.

Airbus, unsurprisingly, is thrilled. The A220 has become a star in the small-mainline category, seating between 100 and 160 passengers depending on the variant and layout. It can fly up to 3,600 nautical miles while claiming to use 20% less fuel than previous-generation jets. Plus, its Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines keep the noise footprint about 50% lower than legacy models…especially good news for anyone living near Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW).

“These modern, efficient, and passenger-focused aircraft will allow us to compete effectively in the European skies, strengthen our position as the preferred carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, and prepare LOT for its role as a leading airline at the Central Communication Port,” said Micha? Fijo?, LOT Executive Officer.

While LOT joins the Airbus family a bit later than many European peers, it now adds its name to a customer list that includes over 30 airlines worldwide. Better late than never, LOT.

FMI: www.lot.com