LOT Polish Airlines will resume flights between London City and Vilnius from 31 August as part of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) formula.
The PSO allows public entities to co-fund flights of special interest within the EU. LOT won the tender which the Lithuanian Government had opened in summer 2018. Having launched in May 2019 the route turned out to be very successful with travellers both in the UK and Lithuania.
Richard Hill, CCO at London City, said: “We are delighted to welcome back LOT and the Vilnius route. For the significant Lithuanian community in East London, this will provide an opportunity to travel home from their local airport. And for Londoners, Vilnius and Lithuania represent great options for a late summer getaway.”
Because of London City’s short runway and steep landing glide angle, there are only a few aircraft, including Embraer 190 which LOT Polish Airlines will use to serve this route, certified to fly from this airport.
LOT began resuming selected flights in July providing passengers with more than 30 holiday destinations around Europe, as well as selected long-haul services.
Krzysztof Moczulski, LOT’s spokesperson, commented that “After very difficult times of lockdown and suspension of international air travels caused by the global pandemic, we observe an increased passenger demand for international travels… The reintroduced flights are expected to attract a lot of interest and contribute to a strengthening of relations between Lithuania and Great Britain.”
