Airbus looks grounded as choice for LOT's new fleet

A group of analysts appointed by the supervisory and management boards of the carrier has lately assessed the management board's recommendation concerning the purchase of six new airplanes. It is almost certain that the winning company will be the American Boeing, which is offering its 787 Dreamliner model. Although French air giant Airbus had been lobbying LOT hard to pick its A350 or A330 model, LOT's deputy president, Edouard Ullmo, said that the Polish firm ceased negotiations with the French company as far back as April. LOT's spokesman, Leszek Chorzewski, refused to provide any information confirming the news, claiming that "the company will comment on the choice of the fleet after the final decision is made," which will take place at the beginning of August at the earliest. The value of the six airplanes is about $500 (zł.1,702) million. LOT will pay several leasing instalments, and after that will be able to buy the machines. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1,3) A.F.