President of LOT resigned. But the carrier’s problems do not end there – Politics

We are accustomed by now that the election is moving carousel personnel in companies controlled by the state. But now the carousel started even earlier. He resigned just Sebastian Mikosz, who thus finished second longer adventure with szefowaniem Lot.

This time, he endured one of the hottest stools in Poland two and a half years, which is quite long. As official gave a reason to leave bad relationships with the Ministry of Treasury. Reportedly went to select an investor for LOT.

Mikosz oversaw the project rescue line on what was needed approx. Half a billion zlotys aid. All of us paid with our taxes to LOT did not share the fate of the Hungarian Malevu. This operation was a success, although it was necessary for EU approval for the aid to pay the liquidation of some calls.

Once passed the worst, Mikosz decided to attack. He presented a bold expansion plan, purchase of new machinery and launch of flights to the following ports in Asia.

LOT had to develop not as a small line connected at Lufthansa or another big carrier, but as an independent player, liderujący region. But for this expansion we are needed huge amounts of money. The first step would therefore be to find an investor.

On the horizon appeared in investment fund Indigo Partners, with participation among others the well-known Polish passengers Hungarian Wizz Air. Mikosz wanted to quickly get permission politicians in the partial privatization of LOT, but perhaps forgotten that during the season the election is virtually impossible.

In a situation where in the polls leading PiS platform certainly does not provide opponents political ammunition, agreeing for sale even little bit Airlines. The more that although the carrier only raised after the collapse, it is still seen by many as Pedigree silver and precious brand, which should remain in Polish hands. Brand can be valuable, but beyond LOT assets practically does not exist.

Of course, no investor holding LOT is a mortal threat to this line, exposed to deadly competition from all sides. Ryanair and Wizz Air easily mastered our market for cheap flights, and Lufthansa effectively pick-up business passengers. Cheap oil and marketing success Dreamliners allow admittedly temporarily improve results, but LOT, with ridiculously little capital as per market standards alone will not survive.

The only question is whether the concept of the former President has indeed prove to be the best. Is it better to rely on the investment fund, or whether the look is willing to support the LOT among the largest carriers? Do we have a chance, even with foreign capital, building a strong regional lines, independent of the largest and effectively competing with them? Is it better to sell wisely to another carrier, ensuring you maintain a brand, as did the Swiss or Austrians, entering into alliance with Lufthansa?

It’s tough questions that politicians in general would prefer to not respond. Opportunities for the privatization of LOT wise before the elections or after them practically does not exist. As a result, waiting for us to drift further Airlines – until the next crisis from which not even the taxpayers of this carrier can not save.