In a recent statement to money.pl, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto affirmed the company’s ongoing efforts to secure a significant narrowbody aircraft order from LOT Polish Airlines. This potential deal underscores a longstanding partnership, positioning Embraer’s E2 family jets in direct competition with the Airbus A220 series.
LOT Polish Airlines is weighing its options between the two aircraft families as it seeks a core model for its future narrowbody fleet. LOT’s CEO, Michal Fijol, has indicated that a decision is expected by year’s end. Currently, LOT’s fleet predominantly consists of various Embraer models, with 43 of its 77 aircraft being from the Brazilian manufacturer. This relationship began in 1999 with the delivery of an Embraer ERJ-145 and expanded with the introduction of the first E-Jet in 2004.
Adding to this legacy, LOT announced in May that it would integrate three Embraer E2 jets into its fleet—marking the first of this newer model to be operated by the airline. This move is seen as a strategic play by Embraer to strengthen its position before LOT finalizes its fleet decision.
In discussing the merits of the Embraer E2 family, Gomes Neto highlighted several advantages. One such benefit is the increased capacity from the first generation of these jets, despite them having fewer seats than their Airbus counterparts. This, he argues, offers airlines like LOT the flexibility to manage capacity without resorting to selling tickets at lower prices to ensure full flights.
The E2 family ranges in capacity from 90 to 146 seats in a single-class layout, compared to the Airbus A220’s 135 to 160 seats. Notably, the E175 E2 variant is well-suited to replace LOT’s retiring Bombardier Q400s, which seated about 80 passengers.
Another competitive edge for Embraer is the E2’s seating configuration. Unlike the A220’s 2-3 setup, the E2 offers a 2-2 configuration, eliminating middle seats and ensuring either a window or aisle seat for passengers—a subtle yet significant selling point.
As discussions progress, factors such as delivery schedules, transition periods, and maintenance costs will likely influence the final decision. With LOT’s substantial existing Embraer fleet and the introduction of the three new E2s, the airline has familiarity on its side. The transition to a new fleet model could pose both cost implications and operational challenges if it requires maintaining two distinct fleets concurrently.
The unfolding developments in this aircraft procurement process promise to be noteworthy, though one might speculate if the outcome is somewhat predetermined given the established ties between LOT and Embraer.