Smartwings received it’s first Airbus A220-300, which features a livery paying tribute to Czech Airlines (CSA), whose operations ceased last October. The new aircraft arrived at Prague Václav Havel International Airport (PRG) on November 21, 2024, coming from Mirabel, Canada.
The Airbus A220-300, registered OK-EYA, has a capacity of 149 passengers in a single-class configuration and represents a significant leap in efficiency compared to the former CSA fleet, which consisted of Airbus A319 and A320. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW-1500G engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20%.
Smartwings decided to retain Czech Airlines’ traditional livery on this Airbus A220-300 to honor the airline. CSA ceased operations in October 2024, the same month it marked its 100th anniversary, making it the fifth-oldest airline in the world.
This is the first Airbus A220-300 out of four acquired by Smartwings, which also included three Airbus A321 XLR in the same agreement. In 2022, CSA ordered four A220s to replace its A319s but canceled the order when it filed for bankruptcy.
With the acquisition of CSA, Smartwings established itself as the largest air operator in the Czech Republic, with a fleet of 40 aircraft, in addition to operating three other subsidiaries in Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The Smartwings fleet consists of:
- 1 Airbus A220-300;
- 2 Airbus A320ceo (ex-CSA, soon to be retired);
- 2 Boeing 737-700;
- 23 Boeing 737-800;
- 2 Boeing 737-900ER;
- 10 Boeing 737 MAX 8.