LOT Polish Airlines continues its dynamic expansion, introducing eight new routes in 2024. The airline’s extensive network of scheduled and charter flights opens up new opportunities for the MICE and tourism industries, facilitating business travel and group trips with improved connectivity.
Strong Financial Performance and Growing Passenger Numbers
2024 was a milestone year for LOT Polish Airlines, with the carrier achieving impressive financial results. The airline reported an operating profit of PLN 805.7 million and a net profit of PLN 688.5 million, transporting a record-breaking 10.7 million passengers with its fleet of 86 aircraft. This marks the second-best financial result in the airline’s history.
Expansion and Route Development
LOT transported 10.7 million passengers in 2024, surpassing the 2019 figure by 0.7 million. A key factor in this success was the expansion of the fleet, which welcomed 11 new aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX-8, Embraer 195 E-2, and first-generation Embraer 195 models. The increase in both scheduled and charter routes significantly enhances LOT’s appeal to business travellers and MICE event organisers.
The airline strengthened its presence in the charter flight sector, recording a 10.6% increase in available seat kilometres (ASKm) compared to 2023. Charter passenger numbers grew by 18.5% to 1.3 million, with a 16.4% rise in charter flights, reaching 7,300 operations in 2024. This expansion provides the tourism industry with greater destination availability, increased flexibility in planning group travel, and new opportunities in the incentive travel segment.
New Routes and Popular Destinations
LOT has consistently expanded its route network, launching eight new destinations in 2024. Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) now offers direct flights to:
- Tashkent – Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
- Oradea – Oradea International Airport (OMR)
- Riyadh – King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
- Lyon – Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
- Athens – Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
- Larnaca – Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
- Tenerife – Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
- Innsbruck – Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Domestically, Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), Copernicus Airport Wrocław (WRO), and Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) remained the top destinations in Poland, particularly favoured by MICE organisers for corporate events, conferences, and incentive travel.
For short-haul European flights, the most frequently chosen routes included London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Vilnius International Airport (VNO), and Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), offering excellent connectivity for business travellers and event attendees.
In the long-haul segment, key intercontinental hubs were New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). These major airports provide seamless connections between Poland and North America, catering to the growing demand for international business travel and MICE events.
LOT Polish Airlines as a Strategic Partner for the MICE Industry
LOT’s strong financial standing, extensive flight network, and expanding charter operations make it a preferred partner for business event organisers and group travel coordinators. The airline’s ongoing development reinforces Poland’s position as a key destination for international congresses, conferences, and incentive travel.
Celebrating Success: The Top Agent Gala
LOT’s remarkable achievements in 2024 were celebrated at the prestigious Top Agent Gala, held on 27 February at the Służewiec Horse Racing Track in Warsaw. The event gathered top travel agents and key partners who played a significant role in promoting LOT’s services.
Recognitions were awarded to companies and individuals who excelled in sales performance and contributed to the airline’s collaboration with the tourism and MICE sectors. The evening was further enhanced by a performance from Polish music icon Maryla Rodowicz.
During the LOT Top Agent 2024 Gala, the MTP Group, in collaboration with Poznań Convention Bureau, received the special award for ‘Leader of the LOT International Events Programme.’ This recognition highlights their joint efforts with LOT in bidding for international events, including the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2027, which will be hosted in Poznań – one of the world’s largest space industry gatherings.
Read also: The National Support Programme with LOT Polish Airlines for the Meetings Industry.
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Poland’s Connectivity Strengthens Its MICE Appeal
LOT’s record-breaking year underscores the airline’s ability to capitalise on market opportunities and expand its services, cementing its position as a key player in European and global aviation. For the MICE and tourism industries, this signifies continued improvements in Poland’s transport infrastructure, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for international events and group travel
Photo Credits: PLL LOT
