LOT Polish Airlines (Warsaw) is introducing new “Economy Plus” and “Economy Simple” fare groups to remain competitive against low-fare airlines. The airline just issued this statement:

In June LOT is introducing new Economy Plus class of service in short and medium haul aircraft and LOT Economy Simple tariffs providing discounts of up to 30 percent off normal economy fares.

Passengers traveling in LOT Economy Plus will enjoy a business product for an economy price. They will have a dedicated hotline number, check-in desk, priority baggage and boarding service as well as a dedicated bus when the aircraft cannot be accessed from a jet bridge at Warsaw airport. On board, these passengers will have a choice of meals, beverages and alcoholic drinks just as in business class. They will sit in the front of the aircraft and obtain more miles in the frequent flyer program than before. Premium Economy passengers traveling on long-haul flights will connect to flights in Europe in LOT’s Economy Plus Class.

LOT has also prepared a special, simple and low-cost tariff called LOT Economy Simple created for the short-haul passengers who want to decide for themselves what services to use and when the fare price is the lowest. Ticket prices are 30 percent lower than in standard economy class. With a LOT Economy Simple ticket, a passenger has the option for online or airport check-in and while on board, served a drink and a sweet snack plus score frequent-flyer miles.This tariff is mainly for leisure travellers traveling only with their cabin luggage.To check luggage, there will be charged PLN 60 ($20) extra.In normal economy class, checked luggage is still free.

A ticket in LOT Economy Simple starts at PLN 199 ($65).For example, flights to Brussels are 30 percent off PLN 439 ($144) in Economy Simple vs. PLN 638 ($210) in Economy; to London 29 percent off PLN 499 ($164) in Economy Simple vs. PLN 705 ($232) in Economy and to Paris 24 percent off PLN 449 ($148) in Economy Simple vs. PLN 458 ($151) in Economy.

These new developments are another step in implementing the Restructuring Plan.In the past year, the airline focused primarily on cutting costs, looking for savings and beginning to improve the quality of the product and service standards.

“We significantly improved our results in the past year, but cutting costs alone is not enough,” said Sebastian Mikosz, CEO LOT Polish Airlines. “To achieve sustainable profitability, LOT has to grow and take better care of its passengers, by expanding the portfolio, offering better comfort and a broader range of optional services.”

Copyright Photo: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) SP-LIE (msn 17000153) in the 1945 retrojet scheme taxies at Zurich.

LOT Polish Airlines: