Emotional farewell as Czech Airlines ends flights under iconic code OK

In an emotional farewell, the final Czech Airlines (CSA) flight landed at Prague Airport late Saturday night, marking the end of nearly a century of operations under the iconic code OK. Arriving from Paris just before midnight, the fully booked flight was met by dozens of aviation enthusiasts, former employees, and members of the public who gathered to commemorate the airline’s legacy.

Among the passengers was Michal Pupcsik, who flew to Paris specifically to experience the final CSA flight. “I’m completely moved now,” Pupcsik said upon arrival, recalling the captain’s emotional message to the passengers, urging the Czech people to remember the importance of the airline’s legacy. Similarly, frequent flyer Petr Lang, who also booked a seat on the flight, expressed disappointment that the traditional “Vltava” tune was not played upon arrival, a hallmark of CSA landings.

A crowd of onlookers watched from the observation deck, many clapping and waving as the plane touched down. Former steward Jiří Veselovský, who served CSA for over 40 years, described it as a “funeral for the CSA we remember,” joined by ex-colleague Daniela Koláčová, who reflected on the company’s struggles in recent years. Fans, including Mr. Jaroslav from Plzeň, also came to witness what he called a “milestone, albeit a sad one.”

With this final flight, CSA operations will be fully transferred to its parent company, Smartwings, which will use its own code, QS, though CSA’s logo and branding will remain. Founded in 1923, CSA was one of the world’s five oldest airlines. Following financial turmoil and changes in ownership, the airline has now been fully integrated into the Smartwings Group.

The farewell was also marked by the Czech Civil Aviation Authority, which flew the national and European Union flags at half-mast in honor of CSA’s long legacy in Czech aviation.

Source: CTK