LOT - Polish Airlines

LOT Polish Airlines continues Asian growth with Beijing as 787s eyed for further expansion

LOT Polish Airlines is progressing with its new “east meets west” network strategy in 2012 as it prepares to launch service to Beijing, its second Asian destination, in June. Another milestone for LOT will be reached in 4Q2012, when the carrier is slated to become the first European operator of the Boeing 787. Privatisation is also a possibility for LOT in 2012 although given current market conditions this is looking increasingly unlikely.

LOT narrows losses as Ryanair takes another step east

LOT – Polish Airlines narrowed its year-to-date losses (nine months to 30-Sep-2011) amid difficult trading conditions this year. The improved performance is part of the carrier’s plans to improve its financial position ahead of privatisation, which is now expected in 1H2012.

While LOT has been hard at work on its restructure, LCCs have been eyeing the Polish market. Wizz Air and Ryanair, the second and third-largest airlines in Poland behind the national carrier, have been making moves to take a larger slice of the market. Ryanair recently stepped up its campaign, announcing plans to launch its first Polish base in Wroclaw, which, along with Wizz Air’s presence could threaten LOT’s new strategy.

LOT pursues new 'east meets west' strategy ahead of 1H2012 privatisation

LOT Polish Airlines is accelerating its restructuring as part of an attempt to improve its financial position ahead of privatisation, which is now expected in 1H2012. The next phase of LOT’s restructuring will see the carrier increase its focus on connections, using its Warsaw hub to bridge the east and west, and improve its product, including a new premium economy offering.

European airlines report single-digit traffic growth in 2010; profits remain weak

European airlines reported single-digit growth last year - a welcome improvement from 2009's depressed level - but 2010 was a lacklustre year overall. Full year data has been released by the Association of European Airlines (AEA), the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) and EUROCONTROL. As noted by EUROCONTROL, growth across the continent last year was driven mainly by LCCs.