Czech Airlines-CSA will operate its last revenue flight tomorrow, October 26, after over 100 years of operation.

Founded in 1923, CSA is being merged into Smartwings, retiring the OK code.

Photo: Czech Airlines

Two Airbus A320 aircraft and four new Airbus A220-300 aircraft will retain the CSA livery although they will be operated by Smartwings.

In addition, CSA will be also be dropped as a SkyTeam Alliance member.

Czech Airlines-CSA made this announcement:

Czech Airlines (ČSA) will change its business model from October 27, 2024, at the beginning of the winter flight schedule.

As part of the holding arrangement, ČSA will become the managing company with a majority stake in Smartwings. The flight operations of the entire group will be provided by Smartwings and its subsidiaries in Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. The reason for the change in ČSA’s business model is to make the group’s operation more efficient using the synergistic effects of Czech Airlines and Smartwings with the aim of increasing productivity while maintaining the ČSA and Smartwings brands.

Nothing changes for CSA clients. The ČSA brand and flights to all current destinations remain unchanged. Clients can continue to buy tickets on the ČSA and Smartwings websites, as well as through all existing distribution channels.

With regard to the size of the currently operated fleet, commercial air transportation within the holding will be provided by Smartwings (47 aircraft) for the entire group. Two Airbus A320 aircraft will continue to fly in the colors of ČSA, as well as four new Airbus A220-300 machines, the first two of which are to be delivered at the end of this year and the other two in the first half of 2025.

As part of increasing efficiency, both companies will operate all flights under one code (QS) from October 27, 2024, which does not affect the services provided and passengers.

“There is a need to constantly optimize the costs of operating companies within the group, simplify processes and diversify risks. These are steps that will have a positive impact on the group’s operations. At the same time, we will offer our clients a consistent, clear and understandable offer of products and services on all flights,” says the chairman of the board of Smartwings, Jiří Jurán.

Czech Airlines-CSA aircraft photo gallery:

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