Some time ago the Polish state created a "copy" of the airline LOT. So far, both the airline and the government have largely remained silent about the exact plans. It has now been announced that the new company has changed the name from "LOT Polish Airlines (Mk.II)" to LOT Airlines.

Maciej Małecki, Deputy Minister for State Investments, told the wnp.pl portal that “LOT Airlines” should become active in markets into which the “old LOT” has not yet expanded. However, the member of the government did not provide any further details. He pointed out that you don't want to give out too much information to be able to surprise competitors.

LOT Airlines is positioned as a subsidiary of LOT Polish Airlines. Małecki emphasized that there should be no competition between the two companies. There should also be a clear strategy. He pointed out that there have been tensions between Eurolot and LOT in the past. Previous governments also did not have a clear strategy. You want to do better now. Eurolot has not existed for a few years.

Apparently there seems to be disagreement within the government regarding the "LOT copy". The company was founded in May 2020 by the state holding PGL. This is also the owner of LOT Polish Airlines. In October 2020, the application for an AOC and an operating license was withdrawn without any further justification. Now Małecki says that the new company, renamed “LOT Airlines”, should take off. Of course, he didn't say where and when and why.

Project could be started together with Hungary and the Czech Republic

So what the Polish state wants to do with a copied LOT remains unclear. There are two speculative approaches that at least do not seem entirely absurd. On the one hand, there have been repeated tensions with the pilots in recent years. Of course, it was about the money. With a "second LOT" one would have leverage in hand that could ultimately lead to lower wages.

On the other hand, the governments of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary have been in talks about a common carrier for some time. This should be under the leadership of LOT. Slovakia also wanted to join, although its participation is unclear. The project came to a standstill due to the corona pandemic, but could have been discussed further behind the scenes. It would be understandable if Poland wanted to use the same brand, but wanted to have an operational separation in the form of two formally independent airlines. Ultimately, however, it remains to be seen what the Polish state has come up with.