DALLAS — Airbus has thrown its hat into the ring to replace LOT Polish Airlines’ (LO) aging Embraer fleet, a contest to supply 84 regional aircraft with the A220-100 and A220-300 variants.
Poland’s national flag carrier predominantly employs Embraer jets for regional services and is expected to determine its future fleet strategy in the next few months. If chosen, Airbus’ A220s could help transform the airline's operations by boosting fuel efficiency, maximizing seating capacity, and improving passenger comfort.
A Major Fleet Transition and the A220
LOT’s regional fleet currently has airplanes built by Embraer, specifically E170, E175, E190, and E195 aircraft. Dozens of these aircraft are now at or near the end of their operational life: the youngest E170/E175 models are already 15 years old, and some are over 20 years in service. While the airline has been maintaining its modernization process for its narrowbody fleet by also adding Boeing 737 MAX 8 equipment, its regional fleet is still primarily a mix of older types.
The airline’s choice will form not just its fleet mix but also have far-reaching consequences regarding cost structure, operating efficiency, and pilot training as the tender process is now in progress.
The A220 family has several advantages over these older Embraer models, most notably in fuel efficiency, range, and passenger capacity. Airbus has targeted the A220-100 for the E170/E175 fleet, with the larger -300 variant aimed at replacing the E190/E195 fleet. Benefits include:
- Cost-efficiency: The A220 family is 25% more fuel-efficient than older-generation regional jets, resulting in substantial savings on operating costs.
- Additional Capacity: The A220–300 can carry 150 passengers, providing greater capacity than LO’s E195 jets while having a range in line with them.
- Passenger Experience: According to Airbus, the A220 features a wider cabin, larger windows, and better seating comfort, improving LO’s passengers' travel experience.
According to Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus' vice president, 40% of the A220's parts are made in Europe, and some are also being produced in Poland. This may be a significant consideration in LO’s assessment, as the Polish government’s industrial strategy includes government support of domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Competition with Embraer
LOT’s main rival in the tender will be Embraer, which has been the Polish airline’s leading regional jet supplier for over 20 years. The latest visit from the Brazilian manufacturer was for political reasons; it sent a delegation of executives to visit Warsaw and promote its latest-generation E2 family, focusing on the E190-E2 and E195-E2.
Embraer’s pitch is focused on:
- Fleet Commonality: E-Jet pilots and maintenance teams at LO would easily transition from old models to the E2.
- Operation Cost: Embraer claims that the E2 family offers similar fuel savings whilst using the same Embraer pilot and operational structure
- Rapid Integration: LO currently flies three leased E195-E2s, and adding additional E2 aircraft could be swift and straightforward.
Still, Airbus has marketed the A220 as a more modern and scalable offering than the E2 series and one that can also take on Boeing 737s on select high-demand regional routes.
With Airbus in their sights rather than Embraer, it marks a central strategic pivot for LO. The airline’s long-time reliance on Embraer aircraft has helped it preserve a simplified pilot training, maintenance, and operational structure. The company said that moving to the A220 would require retraining pilots and changes to maintenance programs, which might entail further short-term costs.
However, LO could achieve higher fleet standardization for the short—and medium-haul segment by adding an A220 to its Boeing 737-8 fleet. The aircraft’s long range and extra capacity also allow LO to improve regional connectivity within Central and Eastern Europe while providing additional seat density on leading business routes.
LOT’s Decision Timeline
LOT’s fleet renewal will be rapid, with deliveries planned between 2026 and 2030. A final decision is expected in the coming months as the Polish carrier looks to finalize the orders and lock in production slots amid strong demand for next-generation aircraft.
Airbus is banking on its European manufacturing footprint, operating cost advantages, and passenger experience to win the order. Embraer is concentrating on the benefits of fleet commonality and an established relationship with the airline.
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Featured image: Davide Calabresi/Airways
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