LOT Makes Surprise Pick Of A220s For Regional Fleet Renewal

LOT Polish Airlines has selected the Airbus A220-300 and -100 after a close-run contest against the Embraer E2, placing an initial firm order for 40 A220s with potential to grow to 84 of the type.

“This is a very important step to ensure the future of LOT,” LOT CEO Michał Fijoł said Monday at the Paris Air Show.

Once Warsaw’s new airport is ready, LOT could increase its commitment to up to 84 aircraft. The order was announced as 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, although Fijoł said the exact number of each variant could change.

“The first bunch of aircraft is split exactly half, half. However, we are in discussions with Airbus about the best aircraft split in future,” he said.

Deliveries will begin in summer 2027, starting with the -300s. “We will look at the performance and then make a proper evaluation about which way to go [on variants],” Fijoł said.

LOT said the A220s will gradually replace its existing regional aircraft fleet, which primarily comprises Embraer E1s. Fijoł said LOT’s E2s will “stay for as long as possible,” but will ultimately also be replaced.

The Polish carrier’s first-ever Airbus order came as a blow to Embraer, which had been hoping to scoop a significant E2 follow-on order. The order campaign lasted over a year and “extraordinary effort” went into the negotiations.

In a statement after the A220 deal announcement, Embraer said, “While we respect LOT Polish Airlines’ decision, we believe the E2 is the best aircraft for LOT from an economic and sustainability point of view … However, we understand we are living in an exceptional moment where geopolitics play an important role.”

Fijoł told Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer during the media announcement, “Frankly speaking, at the beginning Airbus and LOT didn’t know much about one another. It was not an easy process, and we got two very competitive offers. I’m pleased you wanted us more.”

LOT will use the A220s to grow its network and passenger numbers.

The press briefing was attended by a significant number of politicians and dignitaries. When quizzed on whether there was a political aspect to the deal, the LOT CEO replied: “It’s not my role to comment on that.”

[email protected]