This article is based on an official press release from Aviation Capital Group.

Aviation Capital Group Delivers Boeing 737 MAX 8 to LOT Polish Airlines

On December 26, 2025, Aviation Capital Group (ACG) officially announced the delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines. This transaction marks the latest development in a partnership that has spanned nearly a decade, reinforcing the Polish flag carrier’s efforts to modernize its fleet and expand its operational capacity across Europe.

According to the announcement, this aircraft is the first of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets scheduled for delivery from ACG to LOT in the near term. The delivery underscores the continued demand for fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft as airlines seek to optimize their short- and medium-haul networks.

Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership

The relationship between the lessor and the airline dates back to 2017. In the company statement, ACG noted that the collaboration began with the financing of three wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The transition to financing narrow-body 737 MAX aircraft highlights the evolving needs of the airline as it balances long-haul capacity with regional efficiency.

Delivery Specifics

The aircraft delivered is a Boeing 737 MAX 8, a model designed to offer significant improvements in environmental performance compared to previous generations. Industry data indicates that the MAX 8 provides approximately 15% better fuel efficiency and a 40% reduction in noise footprint compared to the Boeing 737-800NG, which it is gradually replacing in many global fleets.

“We are delighted to expand our long-standing relationship with LOT Polish Airlines and support their fleet modernization objectives.”

, Statement attributed to Aviation Capital Group regarding the delivery.

Strategic Context: LOT’s 2024–2028 Roadmap

This delivery aligns with LOT Polish Airlines’ aggressive growth strategy for the 2024–2028 period. According to strategic data compiled regarding the airline’s operations, LOT aims to increase its fleet size significantly over the next few years.

Fleet Expansion Targets

The airline’s roadmap outlines a target of growing its fleet from approximately 75 aircraft in 2023 to 110 aircraft by 2028. This expansion is necessary to support a projected 70% increase in passenger numbers, with a goal of serving 16.9 million passengers annually by the end of the strategic period. The addition of the 737 MAX 8 is a critical step in increasing frequency and reliability on core European routes.

AirPro News analysis: Bridging the Regional Gap

While LOT Polish Airlines has committed to a diverse future fleet, including significant orders for the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2 for regional operations, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 remains the immediate backbone of its narrow-body operations. With A220 deliveries expected to ramp up starting in 2027, the 737 MAX 8 serves as a vital “bridge” asset. It allows the airline to capture current market demand and retire older airframes immediately, rather than waiting for future regional jet deliveries. This dual-manufacturer strategy mitigates risk and ensures capacity availability during a period of global supply chain constraints.

About Aviation Capital Group

Aviation Capital Group continues to be a dominant force in the global aircraft leasing market. A wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation, ACG manages a portfolio of approximately 470 owned, managed, and committed aircraft. The lessor has been particularly active in the latter half of 2025, with recent deliveries including Airbus A220-300s to ITA Airways and A321neo aircraft to Wizz Air.

This latest delivery to LOT Polish Airlines demonstrates ACG’s capacity to support diverse fleet requirements, providing both wide-body and narrow-body solutions to legacy carriers in Central Europe.

Sources:
Aviation Capital Group Press Release