One of the world's oldest airlines is set to shut down after nearly a century of service.

Czech Airlines, the national carrier of the Czech Republic and 5th oldest airline in the world, has announced that its operations will come to an end on October 28. The airlines services will be taken over by another Czech airline, Smartwings.

Its current fleet consists of just two Airbus A320-200 aircraft, which will be absorbed into the Smartwings fleet. The airline’s final flight, arriving from Paris on October 28, will mark the end of Czech Airlines’ long history. The OK Plus and OK Plus Corporate frequent flyer programs will also be discontinued in their current form.

In recent years, the airline has faced numerous challenges, including the fallout from the September 11 attacks, the growth of low-cost carriers, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unconfirmed reports also suggest internal mismanagement, such as poor investment choices and excessive spending, contributed to its decline.

Who are Smartwings?

Smartwings are a low-cost airline based in the Czech Republic. Founded in 2004, it has grown to become the largest airline in the country. The airline operates both domestic and international flights, covering more than 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Smartwings is a subsidiary of the Travel Service group, which also operates charter flights under the Travel Service brand.

While its headquarters are in Prague, Smartwings also has operational bases in Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and other countries. The airline focuses on providing affordable travel options, with a mix of scheduled and charter flights. Its fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737 aircraft.