Czech Airlines, a reputable carrier in global aviation is planning to end its flights on October 26, 2024 after almost a century of operations. Established as Czechoslovak State Airlines in 1923 and being once the largest airline in Eastern Europe it has long stood as the country’s aviation legacy. This unfortunate move marks the end of an era for the carrier which has faced long term external challenges and internal missteps. In addition, the airlines will merge with Smartwings, the largest Czech airlines.
External factors such as the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, economic crises, the rise of low cost carriers and the covid 19 pandemic have contributed to the carrier’s financial instability leading the company to a permanent shutdown. Internally, the airlines’ decline was accelarated by controversial management decisions, notably under the leadership of businessman Jaroslav Tvrdík in the mid-2000s. Tvrdík marked the company negatively with pricey purchases and extravagant spending which contributed to a series of economic issues and asset sales making the company go bankrupt. Although these decisions were ambitious back then they proved fatal and resulted in the carrier’s downfall. More particularly, the Covid 19 pandemic further increased Czech Airlines’ difficulties causing mass layoffs and the dismissal of all employees. However, back in the pandemic times the company was more positive in adding new routes and restructuring than closing indefinitely. Consequently, formerly, the company spokesperson had said:
“ČSA will not stop operations in any case; the restructuring process aimed at rescuing ČSA continues. The possibility of mass layoffs, which ČSA announced to the Labor Office, is one of the steps in the restructuring measures”
As Czech airlines prepares to accomplish the final flights, it operates only two routes from Prague Václav Havel Airport to Paris and Madrid. Smartwing will incorporate its fleet, consisting of two Airbus A320-200s, with the iconic “OK” code instead of the ‘QS’. The final flight of the carrier, arriving from Paris will illustrate the end of a notable era of the aviation history. This turn of events has resulted in the company’s negative stance towards the managers. Consequently, Miroslav Kůla, former President of Czech Airlines, called the past decisions ‘megalomanic projects’ and ‘incompetent management’.
Interestingly enough, Czech Airlines ranks as the fifth oldest airline globally after Dutch KLM (1919), Colombian Avianca (1919), Australian Qantas(1920), and Soviet/Russian Aeroflot (1923). In the past, the airline contributed in the connection between Prague and Bratislava with the west. In the year 1989, the company started investing in western aircraft than soviet whereas by 2017 it invested in Korean Air.
Consequently, one of the oldest airlines in the industry that left its mark in the aviation industry is unfortunately not able to survive the competition and confront its problems.
Thus, how will its legacy and past glory influence the future of the aviation? Share your thoughts at the comments below!
Aviation Reporter - Originally from Greece, Elpida is an English language literature graduate, currently pursuing her Master's degree in Linguistics. Her studies have helped her understand the complexities of language and the importance in conveying the desirable message to readers when writing content. Alongside this, Elpida loves travelling so looks forward to bringing her passion and interest to the readers of Travel Radar!
