LOT joins AIRE

Polish, state-owned airline LOT has joined Brussels-based Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE) that will offer airlines a more effective representation, information and access to the European institutions. LOT joins Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines and the 16 members of the International Air Carrier Association (IACA). “The association’s focus remains the implementation of an efficient economic regulation of monopolistic service providers, as well as ensuring good rule-making in Europe. AIRE will bring its recognised expertise into the decision-making process,” Gunther Hofman, President of AIRE said. “We will have a good, balanced voice in Europe. We will be able to participate on equal terms in the debate on regulation of the European aviation market,” LOT CEO Rafał Milczarski added. Milczarski will be appointed the AIRE president at the end of the year. AIRE wants to prompt the European institutions to accelerate the creation of a much more cost-effective business environment for air carriers. The new entity brings together 19 airlines with a fleet of 575 aircraft, carrying 120 million passengers annually.