Executives at LOT Polish Airlines are flying to Seattle tomorrow to meet with Boeing officials to hash out the status of the carrier's 787 order and options to ensure the carrier can build out its route network.
The carrier ordered up to 14 787s in 2005, and was originally scheduled to take first delivery in the autumn of 2008. If the original schedule had remained in place LOT would currently be operating about four of the aircraft.
Today during an event at Newark airport to mark the official entry of Continental Airlines into the Star Alliance, LOT CEO Sebastian Mikosz told ATI and Flightglobal about his trip tomorrow to Seattle.
Previously Mikosz has hinted he would not rule out a switch to Airbus if LOT fails to reach a definite conclusion with Boeing regarding its widebody fleet options.
"We absolutely need to take a decision about the Dreamliner," says Mikosz
The four 767s LOT currently operates on long-haul routes are getting old, he explains. "Boeing knows that. We will see what comes out."
Mikosz also stresses aircraft options are key for LOT. If the carrier opts to exercise additional options that would allow LOT to either bolster its North America network or introduce new service to Dubai or Tokyo.
LOT recently secured approval to operate up to 10 services per week to Japan. Three must be operated to Tokyo while the rest would be allotted to Osaka or Nagoya.
Likening LOT's current situation to the "chicken and the egg", Mikosz asks: "What comes first the aircraft or the route?"
Mikosz and LOT management are also analysing LOT's narrowbody fleet. The carrier could switch some of its older 737-400s/500s for either next generation 737s or Embraer E-195s, he says.
The chief says the E-195 "has very good opinions" and is appreciated by pilots. LOT currently operates 10 E-170s and six E-175s. Mikosz refers to the E-175 specifically, explaining it matches the carrier's needs perfectly. LOT is aiming to make decision regarding the make-up of its narrowbody fleet by yearend.
Mikosz also says he is keen to rid LOT of some smaller aircraft types including its six ERJ-145s and six ATR 42-500s. LOT also operates eight larger ATR-72s.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
