Today marks the end of an era in aviation history as Czech Airlines (CSA), the fifth oldest continuously operating airline in the world, officially halts operations and merges fully with Czech low-cost carrier Smartwings. A national icon, Czech Airlines had been a member of the SkyTeam alliance, yet on October 26, 2024, its OK Plus loyalty program and “OK” flight code will be permanently retired. This move reduces SkyTeam’s European presence to 19 airlines, ending Czech Airlines’ nearly 100-year legacy.

Financial Struggles and Pandemic Impact

Despite its heritage, Czech Airlines faced mounting financial hardships over the years. Already weakened by competition from low-cost carriers, CSA’s struggles intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately led to a 2021 insolvency filing in Prague’s Municipal Court. The airline reduced operations significantly, shrinking its fleet to just two Airbus A320s, which Smartwings will now integrate into its own operations. Although some Smartwings planes will display the Czech Airlines livery in a nod to its legacy, the iconic “OK” code will disappear from tickets and boarding passes.

The Final Flight and SkyTeam Exit

The final flight under the Czech Airlines brand -OK767- will arrive in Prague from Paris on October 26, officially marking the end of a long journey. Established in 1923, Czech Airlines once offered notable redemptions, like a highly-valued Business Class route from Prague to Seoul for 25,000 Etihad miles, remembered fondly by frequent flyers. But today, as Smartwings assumes all CSA bookings without any loyalty program transfer options, travelers with remaining OK Plus miles are encouraged to use them before October 26. All outstanding miles will be forfeited, with any final journeys required by this date.

ALSO READ: Alternatives for OK Plus Members as Czech Airlines Closes

Smartwings: The New Face of Czech Aviation

Smartwings, founded in 2004 and now the Czech Republic’s leading airline, primarily operates Boeing 737s across 80+ destinations, including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. With additional bases across Central Europe, it’s now poised to take Czech Airlines’ place, albeit with a distinctly low-cost approach. For those who remember CSA’s premium offerings, this transition is bittersweet—an end to a storied airline but one that allows the Czech brand to live on, if only briefly, under Smartwings’ wings.

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