Czech Airlines Last Flight After 101 Years
The airline’s last autonomous flight under the historic “OK” code landed at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG) at 3:49 p.m. and departed from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 4:58 p.m. local time.
Czech Airlines Last Flight
Smartwings assumes control of all Czech Airlines operations tomorrow, integrating the century-old carrier into its broader network.
The transition shifts ČSA flights to Smartwings’ “QS” code across all booking platforms and airport systems, while maintaining ČSA’s visual identity on aircraft.
Airbus A320-200, registered as OK-IOO operated the last flight. The 15.8-year-old aircraft has a special 100-year livery painted on it.
The merger preserves two existing ČSA Airbus A320s under Smartwings’ management, with both aircraft retaining their original ČSA livery.
Smartwings plans to expand the former ČSA fleet with four Airbus A220-300 aircraft, deploying two units by December 2024 and completing the expansion in early 2025.
This consolidation follows ČSA’s recent strategic reorganization, positioning it as the management entity within Smartwings Group.
The restructuring centralizes flight operations under Smartwings’ control, encompassing its subsidiaries across Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. Both airlines emphasize operational optimization as the driving force behind this corporate transformation.
Czech Airlines (ČSA) ensures operational continuity for passengers through the Smartwings merger. Customers retain access to all existing routes and booking channels, including ČSA’s website, maintaining current service standards throughout the transition.
End of the Era: 101-year Old Carrier
The airline’s century-long journey began in 1923 as Czechoslovak State Airlines, securing its position among the world’s five longest-operating airlines. ČSA’s financial landscape shifted significantly when Korean Air (KE) acquired a 44 percent stake in 2013, addressing mounting financial challenges.
Smartwings gained control by 2018, but ČSA encountered insolvency in March 2021. This financial crisis prompted intervention from Smartwings owners Jiří Šimáně and Roman Vik, alongside Chinese investors, who provided critical financial support.
The airline marked its centennial celebration in 2023, followed by significant ownership changes in February 2024.
Prague City Air’s acquisition of CITIC’s nearly 50 percent stake restored complete Czech ownership of Smartwings. Tonight’s final independent flight into Prague concludes ČSA’s 101-year legacy of autonomous operations.
