Star Alliance carrier LOT Polish Airlines has just placed a massive aircraft order, which marks a new chapter for the airline.
In this post:
LOT selects Airbus A220 for regional fleet renewal
LOT Polish Airlines has placed a firm order for 40 Airbus A220s — this includes 20 of the smaller A220-100 variants, and 20 of the larger A220-300 variants, with deliveries expected as of 2027. On top of that, the airline has options for 44 more of these jets, meaning the airline could eventually fly up to 84 Airbus A220s.
The A220 is a great plane to fly, and is one of my favorite commercial aircraft. The A220 has incredible economics and range, and a great passenger experience, given the 2-3 configuration, which means there’s only one middle seat per row.
Here’s how LOT Executive Officer Michał Fijoł describes this decision:
“Today’s decision is about the future. The Airbus A220 family aircraft, which will start joining our fleet in 2027, open up new opportunities for development and growth – key pillars of our strategy. 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.”
This is a massive development for LOT, Airbus, and Embraer
This isn’t just your typical Airbus A220 order, as this represents a major strategy shift for the Polish flag carrier. Historically, LOT Polish Airlines has exclusively flown Boeing and Embraer jets, including the Boeing 787, Boeing 737, and various Embraer variants (E170, E175, E190, E195).
LOT had reportedly been trying to decide between ordering the Airbus A220 and the Embraer E190/195-E2 for its regional fleet renewal, and the airline has gone with the former. So we’re going to see the airline gradually replace its Embraer aircraft with new Airbus jets. This is of course a big win for Airbus, and a big loss for Embraer.
This order will also help LOT grow its capacity considerably. The current Embraer fleet seats anywhere from 76 to 118 seats per aircraft, while the A220s will have somewhere around 100 to 160 seats per aircraft. We know that LOT is looking to grow in the coming years, and this is a clear sign of that. I’d say it also reflects LOT’s more pro-European Union government, given that Airbus is a European aircraft manufacturer. 
Bottom line
LOT Polish Airlines has placed an order for up to 84 Airbus A220s, with 40 firm orders and 44 options, evenly split between the A220-100 and A220-300. This represents LOT’s first ever order for Airbus jets, and it also means that LOT has chosen the A220 to replace its existing Embraer fleet.
The A220 is an awesome plane, so this seems like a sensible order, that will allow LOT to grow capacity over time. However, Embraer also makes great planes, and it means that LOT will only fly considerably higher capacity jets in the future.
What do you make of LOT’s A220 order?
Smart move on their part. Hopefully, they will ditch their Boeing jets as well and shift to Airbus models, specifically for long haul. This order is good for Canadian manufacturing and the A220 program. America builds junk.
Embraer has a greater passenger experience with zero middle seats. Just Saying.
Paris Airshow News Update:
“Israeli Stands Censored From View At Paris Air Show”.
There are significant geopolitical implications of this order today with Poland's location on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Cruel to use an airline name and "blow up" in the same title.
Karl, I cannot see the word “Up” in the article title, could you be mistaken?
I'm really excited to see LOT grow larger, as they're one of the most pleasant European airlines to flight with (second to only Aegean, and maaaybe Air France - but while AF is cost cutting like crazy, LO is improving service). But I also think their strategy of banking everything on CPK is a bit crazy. First of all, projects of this size may get delayed or even cancelled. What is LO going to do...
I'm really excited to see LOT grow larger, as they're one of the most pleasant European airlines to flight with (second to only Aegean, and maaaybe Air France - but while AF is cost cutting like crazy, LO is improving service). But I also think their strategy of banking everything on CPK is a bit crazy. First of all, projects of this size may get delayed or even cancelled. What is LO going to do if they get their planes but CPK isn't ready yet? Second, you can't seriously claim you plan to join the big three as a major airline while having ONE hub on the entire continent.
"I’d say it also reflects LOT’s more pro-European Union government, given that Airbus is a European aircraft manufacturer" - That is, to put it mildly, nonsense. This project and negotiation has started long time ago, and choosing Airbus has nothing to do with political affiliations.
I think that they should pursue a strategic alliance with one of the other carriers who sit outside of the big 3 and their JVs. In my view, a partnership with Aegean would be a great fit. Failing that, and assuming they're not in a position to finance a surprise takeover of TAP, there's also Condor (as tried before) and UX.
Everyone seems to like it. I have not flown on one yet, but help me understand in what world is a 2-3 configuration better than a 2-2 configuration (unless we are talking about a CRJ).
2-3 is nice for Euro business as a solo-traveller. Even in economy, it’s less people in your row which is nice. Not a huge benefit, but they are nice planes generally.
not all airlines block the other seat on the left side in business class, so actually it is not a big win for business class travellers, you might end up in economy seat and with a neighbour
I think the comparison is to a 3-3 configuration, not 2-2
Looks like LOT wanted a larger capacity plane, many carriers are possibly going that route with the A220.
Just wanted to add to the love for the A220. Glad at least Delta flies them domestically. I’m glad that Boeing failed in killing it, and Airbus gave it a home. Shame Boeing’s actions almost took down Bombardier though.
These planes are a pleasure to fly with larger windows and overhead bins. This is good news for Canada where these aircraft are built.
Don’t forget that A320 and A220 are also built in Mobile, Alabama, USA.
LOT could easily end up with a Bama jet.
I wonder what will happen to their current E195-E2s they have. Maybe a commentary on their dissatisfaction with their performance overall?
The previous Paris Air Show, held in 2023, saw a record-breaking 1,160 firm orders by airlines. This year will be more modest, with analysts predicting 700-800 aircraft orders to be placed. Among them:
1. 10 Airbus A350F + 30 Airbus A320neo by Saudi air lease company AviLease
2. Airbus A350s by Qatar Airways. Amount not mentioned
3. Airbus A350s by Etihad Airways. Amount not mentioned
4. Up to 25x Airbus A350-1000 by...
The previous Paris Air Show, held in 2023, saw a record-breaking 1,160 firm orders by airlines. This year will be more modest, with analysts predicting 700-800 aircraft orders to be placed. Among them:
1. 10 Airbus A350F + 30 Airbus A320neo by Saudi air lease company AviLease
2. Airbus A350s by Qatar Airways. Amount not mentioned
3. Airbus A350s by Etihad Airways. Amount not mentioned
4. Up to 25x Airbus A350-1000 by Riyadh Air
5. 6 Airbus A350s by EgyptAir
6. 40 Airbus A220s by LOT Polish
7. 20 Airbus A220s by Royal Air Maroc
8. 20 regional jets by Ethiopian. Unclear if Boeing 737 MAX 7, Airbus A220, or Embraer E2
9. 100 Airbus A320neo by VietJet Air
10. 100 Airbus A220 by AirAsia
Air India was supposed to place an order for more wide-body aircraft, but of course in light of the crash that's not happening
I love the a220, I flew it first time when Swiss started using them. I enjoy the single seat in the biz class cabin on the left side of the air craft. I wish more us airlines would use it more. Even for 1.5 hr flights would be a dream.