Pegasus Airlines Acquires Czech Airlines and Smartwings
Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines completed its acquisition of České aerolinie (ČSA) and the Smartwings group, creating a combined fleet of more than 175 aircraft. The transaction closed after securing necessary regulatory approvals and antitrust clearances across multiple jurisdictions.
The purchase price for ČSA is 154 million euros, according to source reports. The final clearance follows a decision by the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition, which approved the takeover in early September under the condition that Pegasus surrender a portion of its summer slots on the Prague to Antalya route to another carrier.
To maintain Smartwings as a European carrier, the acquisition was executed through a newly established Dutch subsidiary named Pegasus Europe B.V. Following the deal, Pegasus Europe B.V. becomes the sole shareholder of České aerolinie a.s., which acts as the shareholder overarching the Smartwings brand and its subsidiaries in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and related real estate holdings.
Fleet Integration and Network Expansion Across Europe
The newly combined corporate structure brings together two networks with distinct operating models. Pegasus Airlines operates flights to 161 destinations across 57 countries, backed by a fleet footprint that handled a record 43.3 million passengers in 2025. The airline maintains its primary base at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side of Istanbul, alongside established regular routes connecting Prague to Istanbul and Antalya.
Smartwings will continue to operate under its existing brand, maintaining daily operations, customer relationships, and service delivery. The joint fleet will exceed 175 aircraft, supported by firm orders for an additional 140 planes shared between the two operators.
Jiří Šimáně, co-founder of Smartwings, addressed the transition by noting that the company was built over many years through employee dedication and customer trust. He stated that Pegasus Airlines serves as the correct partner to build upon those foundations and generate long-term value for stakeholders.
Czech and Turkish Regulators Approve Pegasus Smartwings Integration
The regulatory path to finalization required approvals from multiple national bodies, including the Turkish competition authority during the summer months and the Czech ÚOHS in September. The operational remedy imposed by Czech regulators focuses specifically on slot allocations for seasonal leisure traffic between Prague and Antalya.
The integration pairs the international reach and low-cost operating model of Pegasus Airlines with Smartwings’ established market presence in leisure travel throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Both companies emphasize shared commitments to safety standards, including the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification held by Pegasus.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pegasus and Smartwings Takeover
The transaction for ČSA is 154 million euros (approximately 3.8 billion CZK).
* Which regulatory body imposed conditions on the purchase? The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition approved the takeover in September on the condition that Pegasus surrender a portion of its summer slots on the Prague–Antalya route.
* How will the Smartwings brand operate moving forward? Smartwings will continue operating under its established brand name, retaining its daily operations, customer relationships, and service functions, as stated by Smartwings spokesperson Vladimíra Dufková.
* Through which corporate entity was the transaction structured? The acquisition was carried out via a Dutch-registered subsidiary named Pegasus Europe B.V. to preserve the carrier’s European standing.
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