LOT airline buys dozens of Airbus planes

LOT Polish Airlines has ordered 40 new passenger jets from Airbus, with the first deliveries expected in 2027.

Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The announcement was made by representatives from LOT and Airbus, accompanied by Polish Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, during the Paris Air Show on Monday.

"Modern, energy-efficient, and engineered with passenger comfort in mind, these planes will allow us to compete in European skies, strengthen our position as the preferred carrier in this part of Europe, and prepare LOT for its role as the leading airline at the Central Transportation Port (CPK)," said Marcin Fijor, the CEO of LOT, referring to Poland's ambition to construct a major air hub. The CPK is expected to become fully operational in the 2030s and to expand Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland’s busiest.

Officials confirmed an order for 40 Airbus aircraft, which includes the A220, A100 and A30 models, along with an option for LOT to acquire an additional 44 aircraft.

The new jets are set to be shipped between 2027 and 2031 and will fully replace LOT's ageing regional fleet. A member of the Star Alliance stated that this initiative will streamline flight scheduling and enhance operational efficiency.

Airbus Vice President Benoit de Saint-Exupéry called the purchase a "historic milestone," adding that the A220-100 and A220-300 models are an ideal fit for regional routes.

Shortly after the announcement, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to platform X, writing: "The investment is the biggest for the Polish national carrier. We're building a leader in European air transport."(PAP)

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