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Embraer 195-E2 LOT Polish Airlines

Registration: SP-LEA Type: E190-400STD Engines: 2 × PW PW1921G Serial Number: 19020124 First flight: Jun 20, 2024

Starting with Fokker F.VIIs, LOT’s fleet has changed dynamically, reflecting the evolution of aviation technology and the shifting eras of Poland itself. Over its nearly century-long history, LOT has overhauled its fleet multiple times. In its first decades, the airline flew Douglas DC-2s, Lockheed Model 10A Electras, and later Model 14H Super Electras. Post-war, Soviet aircraft took the stage, with Il-14s, Il-18s, Tu-134s, Tu-154s, and the flagship Il-62. New times brought yet another fleet refresh, this time featuring Boeing, Bombardier, and, in the early 2000s, a newcomer – Embraer.

LOT first got acquainted with Brazilian planes in 2004 when it took on the Embraer 170. Back then, these “Brazilians” were fresh faces in aircraft manufacturing, and LOT decided to take a chance on them. Compact, fuel-efficient, perfect for regional routes – just the ticket. The 170s were followed by Embraer 175s and 195s, with LOT operating around fifty of these machines in total. They became the workhorses for routes like Warsaw-Krakow, Warsaw-Riga, or Warsaw-Amsterdam. Over the years, Embraer became a mainstay for LOT, and the airline even set up its own maintenance system for these planes. By the 2020s, though, some of the older Embraers had to be retired – time takes its toll. New models stepped in to take their place.

The Embraer 195-E2 is the latest chapter in LOT’s story. These planes, part of the E-Jets E2 family, started joining the fleet in 2024. The first one (SP-LEA) landed in Warsaw in July, with two more arriving by October. The E195-E2 is a different beast from its predecessors. Its Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines save fuel and run quieter, while the wings, with their large winglets, cut down on drag. The cabin, though designed for 146 seats, was configured by LOT for 136 to give everyone a bit more room. They’re now flying from Warsaw to London, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and other cities. Passengers are pleased – the cabin’s quiet, and there’s more legroom in economy than in the older models. LOT didn’t choose these planes on a whim: they’re cheaper to maintain than big Boeings and ideal for 2-3 hour flights. Plus, they can land at smaller airports where larger jets can’t maneuver.