LOT Polish Airlines has announced an intention to lease three Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrowbodies from lessor BOC Aviation from 2025. The aircraft will give the Polish carrier a capacity boost during the 2025 peak northern summer months, giving it the flexibility to open new markets or to boost frequencies on others.
All three new aircraft being leased by LOT will feature CFM LEAP-1B engines and are likely to be configured in a single-class layout accommodating 189 passengers, similar to the 12 MAX 8 aircraft currently operated by the carrier, which also has an additional 10 of the type on order from Boeing.
“We are delighted to welcome LOT, Poland’s flag carrier and one of the most recognizable Polish brands, to our customer base,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director of BOC Aviation. “As a global lessor, we are constantly building relationships with airline customers around the world and diversifying our lessee network.”
“These aircraft will support the LOT growth strategy with one of the world’s most popular and fuel-efficient single-aisle jets,” he added.
LOT is Poland’s national carrier and connects Central and Eastern Europe with destinations throughout the rest of the world. LOT’s destinations include direct long-haul flights to the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea. According to ch-aviation, the carrier operates to 50 countries, serving 89 destinations and 99 routes.
The Polish carrier has been increasing its number of flights to these destinations, in recent years, while strengthening its position in Central and Eastern Europe. It operates its long-haul flights with a fleet of eight Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and seven 787-9s. The rest of its fleet comprises six 737-800s, plus twenty Embraer ERJ170 and 24 Embraer ERJ190 regional jets.
Earlier in August 2024, LOT also announced the delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2 regional jet, three months after signing a deal to expand its regional fleet with three of the type. According to Embraer, LOT is adding the E2 to its fleet to “enhance operational flexibility and accommodate network expansion.” The newest addition to the fleet is the first of the three jets to be leased through Azorra.
Bank of China-owned BOC Aviation is a leading global aircraft operating leasing company with a fleet of 680 aircraft owned, managed, and on order. Its owned and managed fleet is leased to 93 airlines in 47 countries and regions worldwide. The company has offices in London, Singapore, Dublin, New York, and Tianjin and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
