Czech Airlines’ Final Flight Marks the End of an Era

DALLAS — Czech Airlines (OK), one of the world's oldest continuously operating airlines, will cease operations today, October 26, when it completes its last flight (OK767) from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) this evening. 

This flight will end a century of OK’s history as a standalone airline. After today, the Czech flag carrier will stop selling its own tickets and operating under the current brand. Smartwings (QS) will take over all of OK's existing fleet and operations. 

The flight code "OK” will cease as the airline departs from the SkyTeam alliance and fully integrates into the Smartwings Group. Flights will now operate under the code "QS."

Although the OK brand will largely disappear, two Airbus A320s and four Airbus A220-300s (expected by 2025) will retain the OK livery.

History

Founded in October 1923 as Czechoslovak State Airlines, OK initially connected Prague and Bratislava via a three-hour flight on a biplane piloted by Karel Brabenec. In 1930, the airline expanded internationally, with its first foreign route to Zagreb. In the 1970s, OK reached distant destinations, including New York, Montreal, and Havana.

Since the 1990s, OK has faced challenges, including failed privatization attempts, the 2008 financial crisis, competition from low-cost carriers (LCCs), and the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, QS acquired 98% of OK’s shares, solidifying its control over the airline's operations.

OK767 lands in Prague this evening at 10:00 PM local time (4:00 PM Eastern Time). You can follow the flight here.