LOT is buying new Airbus planes. The heart of their engines will be built in Poland.

• In June, the Polish national carrier decided to purchase 40 Airbus A220 aircraft. LOT will also have the option to purchase another 44 such aircraft under an option agreement. This is not only one of the largest single orders in LOT's history, but also the first-ever purchase of new aircraft from a European manufacturer.
• In the CIS, we talk to Jan Florian, CEO of MTU Aero Engines Polska.
• The head of the Polish branch of the German concern MTU Aero Engines AG explains to us how companies from the Podkarpacie region will benefit from the contract between LOT and Airbus.
• The company is also expanding its dual-use production capabilities. It is currently developing a fully European engine for a combat helicopter. There is a chance that this project, supported by the European Commission, will be implemented in Polish factories.

How significant is LOT Polish Airlines' Airbus order for your Rzeszów factory? Can you estimate its impact on your future development?

" The order from LOT Polish Airlines is good news and a boost for the entire aviation industry in Poland. The Airbus A220 is powered by the PW 1500G engine, parts for which are manufactured at our facility in Poland. The order for the new A220 is important for our company, but also for a number of companies that make up our supply chain . These are companies from the Podkarpacie region, but also from other regions of Poland. LOT's order will therefore have a broader impact on the Polish industry."

How dependent is this Airbus engine on the production you carry out at MTU in Poland?

"We specialize in the production of low-pressure turbine components. We also assemble the complete turbine module. We are the sole source of supply for this turbine, as only one type of engine powers the Airbus A220 . The production of components for this engine accounts for approximately 30% of the over 400,000 parts we plan to deliver to our customers this year—making it a very important pillar of our business. We also support our headquarters in Munich in the production of other components that ultimately go into the Airbus A220."

MTU's natural partnership with LOTAMS. LOT aircraft servicing based on Polish components.

And what will your role be when LOT Polish Airlines starts flying Airbuses?

MTU Aero Engines Polska focuses on the production of parts and the development of new technologies. We also support the operation of existing engines by supplying spare parts. Each aircraft, after a certain number of hours in the air, undergoes scheduled inspections and subsequent component replacement. MTU has a role here as well – LOT will certainly receive components from our factory.

Our "family member" is also important in this context. EME Aero operates at the Jasionka airport . It's a joint venture between MTU and Lufthansa Technik . It's one of the most modern engine servicing facilities in the world. And it's here that the engines from Airbus aircraft flown in the LOT Polish Airlines fleet will be delivered. Maintenance and servicing will be performed by Polish employees. This is crucial.

And all of this fits together because, right next door – on the grounds of Rzeszów Airport – LOTAMS has its workshop hangars, where our national carrier conducts regular inspections and servicing of its fleet. I assume this is how it will work?

"I don't know LOTAMS's exact plans, but I assume this is what it will look like. The LOTAMS Rzeszów branch is the natural service point for LOT's Airbuses. This is a good plan for the future and for this region of Poland."

LOT's order is not enough. There will be no employment growth.

Have any decisions been made at MTU headquarters to strengthen the position of Polish plants to handle increased demand from LOT? But doesn't the future of the structure you lead hinge directly on this contract?

"In our case, there's no direct correlation. Increased demand at LOT won't mean a surge in orders or employment. Of course, if it turned out that airlines from our region of Europe were to massively opt for this particular Airbus type, we would have to increase our production capacity . However, LOT's order isn't enough to make that happen."

Airbus has a lot to be proud of. For years, it has been steadily closing the gap between itself and Boeing. How does the increase in orders from this European aircraft manufacturer affect you?

We take a long-term view of the aviation market. Forecasts suggest a doubling of air traffic by 2040. Our strategy assumes continued support for Airbus, as well as other manufacturers.

Industrial companies seek military attention. New technologies and a fully European engine.

Given the current geopolitical situation in Poland and Europe, there's increasing talk of the need to focus on "dual-use" production. How are you at MTU addressing this need? How can your production meet both the civilian and military sectors?

"MTU, as a technology leader in the aviation industry, already offers dual-use products. Thanks to innovative materials and technologies, our components can be used in both civil and military aviation , with only minor adjustments. Furthermore, the military sector often drives the development of new solutions that are later also used in civilian applications."

Together with Safran Helicopter Engines, you're working on developing a fully European engine for a combat helicopter. What's your current status?

"We are participating in the development of new technologies that can be used in an engine for a combat helicopter. A consortium, which also includes GE Avio Aero, is tasked with creating such an engine. This project is developing rapidly, with additional European companies joining. We are currently in the concept development phase. We are awaiting the final decision from the European Commission, which will determine who will carry out this production."

I believe the composition of our consortium gives us a very strong position in the race for this contract. The decision is expected to be made next year . A specific budget for its implementation will then be allocated. There's a real chance that the work and production associated with this new engine type will also be carried out in Poland.