March 1, 1999, London: British Airways and LOT Polish Airlines today announced additional code-sharing agreements and a deeper integration of frequent flyer programmes. These new steps will offer customers greater choice and flexibility on both airlines when travelling in and out of Central Europe, and particularly between London Heathrow and Warsaw. Direct services will increase to 48 a week and schedules are being co-ordinated to offer a wider range of flight departures throughout the day.

From the spring 1999, (March 28, 1999) BA and LOT code-share on all their Heathrow-Warsaw services. They will also be increasing flights by three a week to a total 35 direct services being offered each week between Heathrow and Warsaw. All flights will be code-shared with 14 operated by British Airways and 21 operated by LOT Polish Airlines.

Existing code-sharing on Gdansk-Gatwick, Krakow-Gatwick and Warsaw-Manchester will continue, but there will be changes to operating patterns. From March 28, British Airways will operate all three Gatwick-Gdansk services a week on behalf of the two airlines, increasing this service by one a week. Meanwhile, LOT Polish Airlines will operate all six Gatwick-Krakow code-share services, a reduction of two flights a week. Changes to Warsaw-Manchester will be announced at a later stage.

As part of these closer links, members of the airlines frequent flyer programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles on all the code-share services.

Bob Ayling, Chief Executive of British Airways said; “British Airways is committed to strengthening our position in Central Europe and to offer our customers a wider and more flexible choice of services. Today`s announcement underlines this commitment, increasing frequencies to Poland and opening up access to Central European destinations. We are extremely pleased to be extending our relationship with LOT , they are the perfect partner for us with an extensive network and commitment to service excellence.”

Mr Litwinski, President of LOT, said; ” We believe that this agreement will bring great benefits to both airlines. It will enable LOT to strengthen its position as a key Central European airline, while giving passengers a greater access to international flights through British Airways extensive network.”

As a further convenience for customers, LOT services from Heathrow to Poland are now operated out of Heathrow Terminal 1. Ground handling for LOT`s services is now undertaken by British Airways, and passengers travelling in business class have access to all of BA`s business facilities at Terminal 1, including the lounges.

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