LOT Selects Airbus A220 for Regional Fleet Renewal, Breaking Long-Standing Ties with Embraer
The Polish flag carrier places firm order for 40 jets, with options for 44 more, as Airbus gains ground in Central Europe.
Polish flag carrier LOT has chosen the Airbus A220 for its regional fleet renewal, marking a significant shift in its long-standing relationship with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The deal, announced at the Paris Air Show, includes a firm order for 40 aircraft, with options for 44 additional units. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027.
LOT’s decision to switch to the European manufacturer—despite operating more than 40 Embraer E-Jets and recently introducing the next-generation E2 variants—sparked a pointed but respectful response from Embraer.
While acknowledging LOT’s decision, Embraer defended the E2 as “the best aircraft” for the airline’s operational and sustainability needs. The Brazilian company added, “We understand we are in an exceptional moment where geopolitics plays a significant role,” subtly suggesting that political factors may have influenced the deal.
Such a claim is not without precedent. Relations between Airbus and the Polish government were strained in 2016 after the cancellation of a 50-unit order for H225M Caracal helicopters. However, ties have since improved. On May 9 of this year, France and Poland signed a strategic partnership agreement, which the French government described as a “new level of ambition” in key sectors such as defense and energy.
What aircraft will the A220s replace?
The A220s are set to replace LOT’s current regional fleet, primarily made up of first-generation Embraer E-Jets. Although the airline recently acquired some E195-E2s, these will also be phased out in the long term.How does the E2 compare to the A220?
The Airbus A220 typically offers more capacity and range than Embraer’s E2 family. However, Embraer argues that the E2 is more fuel-efficient per trip and better complements LOT’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet, while also offering lower transition costs due to fleet commonality.When will deliveries begin?
Deliveries of the A220s to LOT are expected to begin in 2027.
Both Airbus and LOT sought to downplay any political implications in the selection of the A220. Nonetheless, the signing ceremony at the Paris Air Show featured high-level attendees, including ministers and ambassadors from France, Poland, and Canada—the country where the A220’s final assembly line is located.
Embraer continues to stress the operational and financial advantages of its E2 jets. The company claims the E2 is 13% more efficient and aligns more closely with LOT’s existing 737 MAX 8 fleet “unlike larger competitors.” It also emphasizes that maintaining fleet commonality could save LOT millions in transition costs.
LOT CEO Michał Fijoł stated that the airline received “two highly competitive offers” and chose the A220 based on a detailed numerical analysis. The order is part of a broader fleet renewal plan that will eventually include 84 new aircraft, with the remaining units to be added once Warsaw’s new central airport becomes operational.
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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