- The decision will be of great strategic importance not only for Poland’s national carrier but also for the entire aviation industry in the region, as it generates a measurable economic stimulus.
- The contract signed with Airbus allows LOT Polish Airlines to pursue the objectives of its corporate social responsibility strategy, as the new aircraft will offer an even higher level of comfort, while being more fuel efficient and emitting less CO2.
LOT Polish Airlines has signed a contract with Airbus - the leading aircraft manufacturer - to supply 84 A220 planes in their -100 and -300 variants. The process of replacing the regional fleet operated by LOT Polish Airlines is not confined to mere technical modernisation - it also provides the carrier with a viable opportunity to boost its competitiveness and account for growing passenger volumes. Thanks to the newly acquired airframes, the airline will be able to continue its expansion and will focus on moving its operations, in the long term, to Poland’s new hub - Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK).
By offering a higher average number of seats, the new planes will allow the airline to utilise its slots in a more efficient manner. The carrier’s operating flexibility and emissions per passenger will be improved as well. All these factors play a crucial role in the era of increasingly stricter sustainability and environmental requirements.
The choice of its regional fleet supplier is of great significance for LOT Polish Airlines. It is the regional fleet that plays the role of a foundation stone of the airline’s operating model. By opting for Airbus A220 aircraft, we will improve our cost efficiency. The range of aircraft we operate will be limited to two state-of-the-art types, our flight planning and operational processes will be simplified, and maintenance costs will be optimised. While offering a higher level of comfort for our passengers, the planes will also be more fuel efficient. Their lower CO₂ and noise emissions, in turn, will allow us to successfully compete with other carriers.
Maciej Dziudzik, Proxy, Fleet Office Director, LOT Polish Airlines
Modern fleet, sustainable flights
The A220 has been designed with short- and medium-haul flights in mind. It is a modern regional jet with a capacity of 100 to 160 passengers, depending on the specific version. With a maximum range of up to 6,700 km, it will be able to serve all connections within LOT Polish Airlines’ European flight network. The A220 uses up to 25% less fuel (per passenger) than older generation jets offered by the same manufacturer.
It relies on the fly-by-wire technology - a modern solution in which traditional mechanical connections between the pilot and the machine’s control surfaces are replaced by electronic interfaces. The design relies on highly advanced materials, such as carbon composites as well as aluminium and lithium alloys. The A220 embodies the latest generation of Airbus narrow-body aircraft, combining state-of-the-art aerodynamic solutions, sophisticated materials and the latest generation of Pratt&Whitney’s PW1500G engines.
Viable opportunity for an economic stimulus in the region
The choice of the new regional fleet supplier will be of great strategic importance not only for Poland’s national carrier, but also for the entire aviation industry in the region. A contract of such proportions offers a real chance for a meaningful economic stimulus, as it involves high-value investment and technology transfers, simultaneously allowing to expand the range of competence available domestically. Cooperation with Airbus will also affect Poland’s local aviation industry by boosting employment levels, increasing demand for R&D activities and facilitating economic relations with suppliers.
Airbus is currently employing more than 800 highly qualified staff at three locations in Poland: in Warsaw, Łódź and Gdańsk. The company is actively cooperating with 50 Polish suppliers, contributing to approximately 10,000 jobs. The manufacturer also plans to establish its digital hub in Poland, potentially creating, over a period of 15 years, up to 13,000 more openings.
The first aircraft will be acquired by LOT Polish Airlines in 2027, commencing the process of consolidating the carrier’s regional fleet. Once the older generation jets have been withdrawn from use, it will be made entirely of the Airbus A220-100 and 300 planes, facilitating the network planning process and ensuring improved operational efficiency.
Tags: Airbus, Maciej Dziudzik, LOT Polish Airlines
