Oneworld emerges as most likely LOT alliance partner

A leaked report quoted by Puls Biznesu indicates that the management of LOT Polish Airlines, as well as the Treasury and Infrastructure Ministers, are leaning toward the British Airways-led Oneworld alliance as their choice as a partner for Poland's flagship carrier. The report, which was forwarded to representatives of the two ministries, points out the advantages that could result from joining Oneworld. However, Andrzej Pilat, Secretary of State at the Infrastructure Ministry, insisted the report contains no final decision on a choice for LOT. One of the priorities for the government and LOT in choosing whether to join Oneworld or Lufthansa's Star Alliance is maintaining LOT's profile as a major regional player, something that, according to Puls Biznesu, Star Alliance cannot do. "Nothing has been decided yet. We are still in talks with both alliances. The decision certainly will not be made during the next few days. It is hard to say whether it will happen within weeks or months," said Pilat. (Puls Biznesu, p. 4) M.T.K.