The Czech airline CSA has been a shadow of the past for some time now, as the fleet has shrunk to just one machine and the route network consists of only one route. That should change next year, because leasing contracts have been signed for four Airbus A220-300. 

CSA was once the national airline of Czechoslovakia, later the Czech Republic. After years of losses, the company was taken over by the Smartwings Group and continued in a shrinking form. However, the corona pandemic left the now very small airline the rest, because there was simply no state aid. Smartwings, on the other hand, even rumbled in full-page newspaper advertisements. CSA had to file for bankruptcy and could so also handle some aircraft orders. 

As a company, CSA Czech Airlines survived the insolvency proceedings and the corona pandemic, but they only have one leased aircraft left, which is only used on one scheduled route (Prague-Paris CDG). Otherwise, you are mainly on the wet lease for the now sister company Smartwings, because in the course of the bankruptcy the ownership changed, so that the former daughter became a sister. 

Wanting to revive CSA is nothing new. Everyone is also aware of the fact that the new fleet will consist of Airbus A220 aircraft. However, it has so far been completely unclear whether and when the said machines will come and where they will come from. Air Lease Corporation announced that it has leased four brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft from CSA. 

"We are pleased to announce this lease agreement for four new Airbus A220 aircraft with Czech Airlines," said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “ALC was the first airline to introduce the A220 and looks forward to a long-term partnership with Czech Airlines to modernize and enhance the airline's fleet with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient new aircraft.” 

All four jets are to be handed over to the small airline based in Prague in the coming year. The Czech carrier, which belongs to Skyteam, wants to use these to build a network again. The destinations are not yet known, but due to the fierce competition, they will probably be communicated at short notice. 

“ALC's A220s will significantly enhance our airline's operational strength as we modernize our fleet with highly efficient and environmentally friendly single aisle aircraft. Czech Airlines is pleased to start working with the ALC team as we celebrate our 2023th anniversary in October 100. Thanks to a brand new cabin configuration, the aircraft offers best-in-class comfort for short and medium-haul flights. I am therefore convinced that this step will be particularly appreciated by our customers," says CSA boss Petr Kudela.