LOT Polish Airlines has launched its first new long-haul route in four years with the introduction of 3X-weekly Warsaw-Tokyo Narita services using a Boeing 787-8.
“By opening this new route, will also want to win back the trust from our passengers,” LOT acting CEO Marcin Celejewski said at a press conference at Warsaw Frederic Chopin International Airport. “We are working very hard to develop this company further, but we also want to expand our Warsaw hub in the New Europe.”
LOT plans to add 15 new destinations this year as well as increase frequencies on existing routes. Celejewski told ATW the Poland flag carrier plans to “grow 38% in terms of ASKs” this year as a European Union ban on growth is lifted following restructuring.
Load factors are reportedly at 70% on LOT’s new Tokyo route, despite economic difficulties for Japanese tourists.
The carrier is also evaluating new services to Bangkok, but nothing has been decided.
By 2020, the Star Alliance member plans to double in size, transporting 10 million passengers annually and wants to become the leading carrier in the region, which it calls the “New Europe.”