Airbus has officially entered the competition for a significant regional fleet tender issued by LOT Polish Airlines, Poland’s national carrier, proposing its A220 family of aircraft, specifically the A220-100 and A220-300 variants. This tender, which involves the procurement of 84 regional planes, marks a pivotal moment for LOT as it seeks to modernize its aging fleet and enhance its operational efficiency. The European aerospace giant is positioning its A220 models as the ideal solution for LOT’s needs, facing off against rival manufacturer Embraer, which is offering its E2 family of jets. This contest underscores the growing importance of the regional aviation market and the fierce competition between Airbus and Embraer to secure lucrative contracts in this segment.
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The Airbus A220 series, originally developed as the Bombardier CSeries before being acquired by Airbus in 2018, has gained a reputation for its efficiency, versatility, and passenger comfort. The A220-100, the smaller of the two variants, is designed to seat between 100 and 135 passengers, making it suitable for shorter, less dense routes. Its larger sibling, the A220-300, can accommodate between 120 and 160 passengers, offering greater capacity while maintaining the same fuel-efficient design. Both models boast impressive ranges—6,390 kilometers for the A220-100 and 6,297 kilometers for the A220-300—allowing LOT to potentially expand its regional network across Europe and beyond. These capabilities align with LOT’s goal of improving connectivity while keeping operational costs in check.
LOT Polish Airlines currently operates a fleet of 50 regional jets, predominantly Embraer aircraft, which account for a significant portion of its 86 total planes. This longstanding relationship with Embraer gives the Brazilian manufacturer an edge in terms of familiarity and existing infrastructure. However, Airbus is betting on the A220’s advanced technology and economic advantages to sway LOT’s decision. The A220 is equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, though these engines have faced scrutiny due to a recent recall affecting multiple operators. Despite this, Airbus emphasizes that the A220’s maintenance cycles are slightly longer than those of competing models, potentially lowering long-term costs for airlines.
The tender process, which has been under evaluation for years, is expected to conclude in the coming months, with deliveries potentially starting as early as 2026 or 2027 and extending through 2030. For Airbus, securing this order would represent a significant breakthrough, as LOT does not currently operate any Airbus aircraft. Transitioning to the A220 would require LOT to invest in pilot training, maintenance facilities, and spare parts logistics—an undertaking that could complicate the switch but also offer long-term benefits through fleet modernization. Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, has expressed confidence in the A220’s fit for LOT, highlighting its North American manufacturing roots and its growing global presence. Meanwhile, the A220’s design prioritizes passenger experience, featuring wider seats and larger windows compared to many regional jets, which could give LOT a competitive edge in attracting customers. As the airline weighs its options, the decision will hinge on a mix of cost, performance, and strategic alignment. Whether Airbus can displace Embraer as LOT’s preferred supplier remains uncertain, but the A220’s entry into this tender signals Airbus’s aggressive push to dominate the regional aviation market.