Czech Airlines ČSA to Cease Operations, Join Smartwings
Czech Republic’s flag carrier, ČSA Czech Airlines, is set to end its operational activities and retire its iconic “OK” code as part of a major restructuring by its parent company, Smartwings. Effective October 27, 2024, ČSA will be repurposed into a holding company, with all airline functions being absorbed by Smartwings.
This transition marks ČSA’s exit from the SkyTeam alliance and the rebranding of its flights under the Smartwings “QS” code. Though ČSA will not formally disappear, its role in day-to-day operations will cease, with Smartwings inheriting its routes and services.
One of the world’s oldest airlines, ČSA has significantly scaled down since its near-bankruptcy in 2021. The airline was rescued by Smartwings, but has since operated a minimal fleet and a restricted network. Currently, ČSA operates two Airbus A320s on routes from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG) to Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
In a bid to revive its legacy, ČSA had announced plans in 2023 to lease four new Airbus A220 aircraft. These are scheduled to arrive in Prague between late 2024 and early 2025. However, it is anticipated that these aircraft will be integrated into Smartwings’ operations, along with the two existing ČSA A320s.
As of September 2024, Smartwings, including its subsidiaries in Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland, operates a fleet of 37 aircraft and manages an additional 11 aircraft under wet-lease agreements. This includes one A320 from ČSA. The reorganization follows a significant ownership change in February 2024 when Smartwings’ majority owners acquired the remaining 30% stake from CITIC Group, a Chinese financial services firm. With this acquisition, the investment vehicle “Prague City Air” now holds full control over both Smartwings and ČSA.
The restructuring aligns with Smartwings’ strategy to consolidate its operations and streamline its fleet. The move was initially hinted at in May 2024, with Smartwings preparing to fully integrate ČSA’s assets and operations.
This shift marks the end of an era for ČSA, but also represents a new chapter for Smartwings as it strengthens its position in the European aviation market.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Czech+Airlines, https://airguide.info/?s=Smartwings
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Czech Airlines, Smartwings