LOT retires last E170 aircraft

The Polish airline LOT Polish Airlines retired its final Embraer E170 on October 30, 2026, after a final flight between Warsaw and Vienna. This marked the end of the airline's use of the twin-engine aircraft, which it had operated since 2004.

Symbolic farewell flight

LOT chose to commemorate the occasion by flying the last E170 on the same route as its first E170 flight in 2004. The aircraft, registered SP-LDH, made a round trip between Warsaw and Vienna, mirroring the inaugural flight of the model in the airline’s fleet.

History of the first E170

The first E170, SP-LDA, arrived in Warsaw in March 2004 after traveling from Brazil with several stops. It was the first of its kind in commercial service and remained in the fleet until 2014, serving as a key part of LOT’s regional operations.

Operational impact of E170s

Over 22 years, LOT operated ten E170s, transporting 13.8 million passengers on nearly 300,000 flights. These aircraft played a significant role in connecting Poland’s domestic routes and European destinations, covering over 230 million kilometers.

Design features of the E170

The E170s were configured for 70 to 76 passengers, with a four-seat abreast layout that avoided a center seat. This design suited short-haul flights and included innovations like winglets and fly-by-wire controls, which improved efficiency and performance.

Continued use of Embraer aircraft

Although the E170 is retiring, LOT continues to operate other Embraer models, including the E175, E190, E195, and E195-E2. The E170’s departure marks the end of the smallest member of the E-Jet family, not the entire Embraer fleet.

Future with Airbus A220s

LOT has ordered 40 Airbus A220s, with the possibility of increasing to 84 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, gradually replacing the current regional fleet and marking a new phase in the airline’s modernization efforts.