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New planes for LOT. Minister of Infrastructure: we will announce it on Monday
Dariusz Klimczak, the Minister of Infrastructure, announced on TVN24 during the „#BezKitu” program that the results of the tender for the acquisition of aircraft for LOT will be revealed on Monday. He also touched upon the planned layoffs at PKP Cargo.
– Indeed, I am traveling to France with the CEO of LOT (Michał Fijoł). Each year, an international air show is held in Paris, where it is customary to announce contracts for aircraft purchases. We will make our announcement on Monday afternoon alongside the CEO of LOT. We will disclose the outcomes of the tender process for LOT’s fleet acquisition – stated Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure (PSL) during the „#BezKitu” program on Friday.
When questioned about the winner, he clarified that he could not disclose that information yet. – That will be communicated primarily by the president of LOT.
Two consortiums submitted bids—Airbus and Embraer—relating to 84 aircraft. It had previously been reported that two models were in consideration: Embraer 195-E2 and Airbus A220.
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„This is the final moment”
– The news will undoubtedly be positive, as we have been anticipating the expansion of our fleet for many years – Klimczak reassured. – Currently, we have 86 aircraft, including 11 that were acquired during our (current) government, illustrating the scale of this expansion – he explained.
He further stated, „this action is essential and this is the final moment if we aspire to the successful development of the new, most modern airport in Europe, which the new central airport in Poland will be (CPK – ed.).”
When asked if Poland aims to compete with European carriers, he expressed his hope that it would be the case. „However, it truly requires substantial effort,” he acknowledged.
In response to inquiries regarding the future of the airport in Radom, the head of the Ministry of Infrastructure remarked that „Minister (Maciej) Lasek (Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port – ed.) is currently addressing this matter. – We wish for this airport to have a promising future, given the significant funds that have been invested there – he stated. When asked if the closure of the airport is under consideration, he replied that it is not. – This pertains to streamlining the operations of several airports – he noted.
Group layoffs at PKP Cargo: „This is not a final decision”
The Minister of Infrastructure was also questioned about the announcement regarding group layoffs at PKP Cargo, which may affect as many as 2,429 individuals (up to 1,041 employees in 2025 and up to 1,388 in 2026 across various professional groups). The layoffs are set to be implemented by September 30, 2026, with those planned for this year expected to occur by the end of July 2025.
– This is not a definitive decision – stated the guest of the „#BezKitu” program. – The announcement was made by the authorities of PKP Cargo in collaboration with the court administrator (…). Various measures are being explored – he clarified.
As Klimczak added, discussions on this issue are ongoing not only with the PKP Cargo management but also with trade unions. On Friday, the NSZZ „Solidarność” PKP Cargo sent letters to the president and prime minister concerning the planned group layoffs within the company. Union representatives urged for actions to be taken to prevent them.
– I will do everything possible to ensure that these individuals do not lose their jobs – commented the Minister of Infrastructure. He noted that in the previous round of group layoffs at PKP Cargo „everyone received offers – from different companies”.
„The costs incurred by PKP Cargo hinder its ability to win tenders”
Klimczak was also asked about the NSZZ „Solidarność” comment suggesting that diminishing PKP Cargo would facilitate the rise of foreign carriers in Poland, which poses a genuine threat to Polish economic sovereignty and security.
– The current circumstances of PKP Cargo favor the entry of other companies into this market, as they have entirely different advantages – responded the Minister of Infrastructure. – The expenditures incurred by PKP Cargo do not enable it to secure tenders. To provide competitive pricing – he explained. He added that the changes aim to transition the company into a contemporary enterprise.
PKP Cargo is announcing its intention to initiate layoffs for the second time within 12 months. In July of the previous year, the management board decided to implement group layoffs at
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