LOT issues RFP for new narrowbodies

According to Polish aviation website Ryneck Lotniczy, LOT Polish Airlines has officially issued Requests for Proposals (RFP) in which the airline seeks narrowbody aircraft to renew its fleet. A final decision is expected to be made before the end of this year.

The RFPs have been splitted into three segments. The first is one is asking manufacturers to send in proposals for medium-haul narrowbodies like the Airbus A320neo-family and Boeing MAX-family. The second segment is focusing on larger regional aircraft like the Airbus A220-300 and the Embraer E195-E2. And finally, the third segment is looking for proposals for small regional aircraft like the Airbus A220-100 and Embraer E190-E2.

Although LOT is a loyal Boeing and Embraer-customer, a potential Airbus-order is a clear possibility. The airline is very unhappy that it hasn't been able to reach a compensation deal with Boeing for the delayed deliveries of its B737MAXs and B787-9s and has even cancelled deliveries of the MAXs until further notice. LOT is also very impressed with the Airbus A220, especially if the manufacturer would commit to a stretched A220-500, which is also a version AirBaltic and Air France have expressed high interest in. The airline is also planning to replace its DHC-8-400s with the new jets in order to standardize the fleet.

Today, LOT's fleet consists of six B737-800s, five B737-8s, twelve DHC-8-400s, six ERJ170s, ten ERJ175s, five ERJ190s and fifteen ERJ195s. It's longhaul-fleet is made up by eight B787-8s and seven B787-9s.

Photo by Anton Homma.