08.12.2025 10:45
Pegasus Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire Czech Airlines and its subsidiary Smartwings for a total of 154 million euros. In a statement from the company, it was announced that an agreement had been reached for the acquisition of the two airline groups for a total of 154 million euros, including their debts. CEO Güliz Öztürk stated, "As Smartwings and Pegasus, we will continue to spread our wings to the world."
Pegasus Airlines has taken a significant step to incorporate Czech Airlines, based in the Czech Republic, and its subsidiary Smartwings. The company announced that an agreement has been reached for the acquisition of the two airline groups for a total of 154 million euros, including their debts. The completion of the acquisition process will take place after obtaining the necessary legal approvals and fulfilling the transfer conditions.
THE LARGEST AIRLINE COMPANY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Smartwings is known as the largest airline company in the Czech Republic and one of the established aviation groups in Central and Eastern Europe, operating under the Czech Airlines and Smartwings brands. The group operates flights to 80 different destinations in 20 countries.
"WE DID NOT START THE AVIATION SECTOR, BUT WE HAVE CHANGED IT"
Pegasus Airlines CEO Güliz Öztürk stated that the acquisition marks the beginning of a new growth period for the company, using the following expressions: "We set out in 2005 with the goal of making air travel accessible to everyone. By increasing our fleet from 14 aircraft to 127, we became one of the most efficient and profitable airlines in the world. Now, by combining our strengths with the fleet of Czech Airlines and Smartwings, which consists of 47 aircraft, we are opening a new chapter in our growth journey. Our aim is not just to scale up; we want to establish a strong structure focused on flight safety, technology, efficiency, and guest experience. We did not start the aviation sector in Turkey, but we have changed it. Now we are ready for a new phase of growth. As Smartwings and Pegasus, we will continue to spread our wings to the world."
"IT WILL MAKE US HAPPY TO SEE OUR COMPANY CONTINUE TO GROW"
The shareholders and founders of Czech Airlines and Smartwings stated that their decision to transfer the airline companies they have developed over approximately 27 years to Pegasus, which they believe will carry them to a stronger structure, is a strategic choice. Jirí Šimáne, co-founder of Smartwings and shareholder of Czech Airlines, said, "We are very proud to have brought these two companies, which we established with limited resources and without government support, to where they are today. By focusing on innovation and guest satisfaction, we have overcome many challenges. We believe Pegasus is the ideal new owner for these companies. It will provide our guests with broader connections and more travel opportunities. We thank all our employees and passengers. We will be happy to see Czech Airlines and Smartwings continue to grow under the Pegasus umbrella."