Embraer reaffirms that E2 is the best technical option for LOT

Despite pointing out that the A220 was chosen for technical reasons, LOT is said to have given in to geopolitical pressures in the decision that defeated the E2.

This is how Embraer executives described the outcome of the dispute to the press at the Paris Air Show, where an agreement for 40 A220s and 44 more options was announced by the Polish airline and Airbus.

The deal will put an end to a 26-year relationship between the airline and the Brazilian manufacturer, which began in 1999 with the incorporation of the first 48-seat ERJ 145 jets.

Shortly thereafter, LOT became the launch customer for the E-Jet family when it took delivery of the world’s first E170 in 2004.

Since then, the state-owned airline has operated all models of the original series, including the E175, E190 and E195 – all of which remain in service, with 44 active aircraft.

Last year, LOT began operating three leased E195-E2s, a rare opportunity to get to know the aircraft that was competing for the large order better.

Mutual support treaty between France and Poland

However, it seems that the extensive knowledge of these jets and the infrastructure already in place to keep them flying were not enough to convince the company to remain loyal to Embraer.

Instead, LOT will embark on a new process of adaptation to an aircraft never before operated by the airline.

When asked about the adverse result, Embraer told Flight Global that the E2 is the best aircraft for the company, capable of generating savings of 13% compared to the Boeing 737, which it would complement and not compete with, as the A220 would be.

In the company’s view, the decision was influenced by an exceptional moment created by geopolitical issues and the war in Ukraine.

The signing of the agreement was even attended by members of the French government, who in May signed a major mutual support treaty with their Polish counterpart.

Embraer also stated that LOT will no longer save millions of euros by having to transition between the E-Jets and the A220.

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Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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