Air TransportLOT explores acquisition of Czech carrier Smartwings
LOT Polish Airlines CEO Michał Fijoł visited Prague in June to discuss a potential acquisition of Czech carrier Smartwings, according to Money.pl.
Smartwings, founded in 1997, operates both charter and scheduled flights with a fleet of 42 aircraft, including 36 Boeing 737s—13 of which are MAX 8 variants—alongside two Airbus A320s and four A220-300s.
The Polish government has been evaluating a bid for Smartwings since the spring, with LOT now on a shortlist of interested parties that also includes Eurowings and SunExpress.
Smartwings has undergone several ownership changes and previously acquired Czech Airlines, adding to the complexity of any potential integration.
Industry observers note that merging Smartwings’ mixed business model with LOT’s operations may present challenges, particularly given the breadth of the Smartwings network.
The carrier’s last major regional expansion, which aimed to establish a hub in Budapest, did not meet expectations, adding context to its current approach.
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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.
