New planes, cabins and lounges: Polish Lot's plan to join Europe's 'big boys'

The commercial aviation landscape in Eastern Europe is rather daunting. During the 1990s, all carriers from the countries that had been beyond the 'Iron Curtain' for over forty years attempted to take the path of market and revitalization upon the fall of the Soviet Union by purchasing Western-made aircraft, modernizing their in-flight service, and expanding their networks beyond the boundaries previously imposed by state reasoning.

Almost all of them have failed. Bulgaria's Bulgaria Airlines, Romania's Tarom and Czech Czech Airlines are reduced to micro-companies operating with very small fleets on a regional scale, with just a few sorties to major Western European cities. Hungary's Malev, which had seemed the most enterprising for some years, closed its doors in 2012 (and its place was taken by the low-cost Wizz Air, now transformed into the third largest low-cost company in all of Europe).

Only Poland's Lot has managed the feat of thriving in the free market. Already in previous years Covid boasted by far the largest and most modern fleet among the eastern airlines, as well as a respectable network even on long haul. In the plans there was, even, the acquisition of the German Condor, which the Covid epidemic, however, made impossible.

As demand for flying skyrockets again, the 95-year-old Polish carrier announced a four-year plan (2024-2028) through which it will take on an even more prominent dimension in the European air transport landscape. To date, Lot has a fleet of 73 aircraft including 42 Embraer Erj-170s and -190s, 17 Boeing 737-800s and MAX 8s, and 15 Boeing 787-8 e-9s. The network touches some 80 cities in Poland, Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.

In five years, according to the company's announced plans, the fleet will have grown by about 50% (from the current 73 to 110 aircraft in 2028, passengers will increase from the current 10.3 million to nearly 17 million (+70%) and some 20 new destinations will be added to the existing network, both medium and long haul.

Lot is planning major investments for its Polonez Business Lounge in Warsawwhich will be renovated, while an entirely new lounge of more than 600 square meters will open in the second half of 2024 at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, which is one of the most important hubs for traffic to and from the United States.

On board, the most interesting news will concern the 15 Boeing 787s in service. In Business Class, the cabin layout will change from rows of six seats (2+2+2) to rows of four (1+2+1), with all passengers having direct aisle access.

Recaro CL6720 seats will feature sliding doors for greater privacy, 17.3-inch screens with Bluetooth audio, power outlet, as well as USB-A and USB-C.

In Premium Economy, the Recaro PL3530s will have 13.3-inch screens with Bluetooth audio, power outlet, and USB-C jack. In Economy, the Recaro CL3810s will also have a 13.3-inch screen, USB-C socket but will not have power outlets.

"For nearly 95 years, Lot Polish Airlines has been a reliable, safe, and convenient travel partner for generations of Poles and an increasing number of foreigners, whether visitors or transit passengers. The strategy we presented today lays the foundation for this trusted relationship to continue in the decades to come. The world of aviation is evolving before our eyes, and we aim to be one of the leading companies in this evolution," explained the Polish carrier's CEO and president, Michail Fijot.