Top Airlines in Czech Republic: A Complete Guide to Czechia’s Aviation Leaders

The Czech Republic's aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation. With Czech Airlines ceasing independent operations in October 2024, Smartwings now dominates scheduled services while a robust charter and business aviation market continues to expand.

Understanding the current airline roster matters for travelers planning Czech connections. This guide provides details about key operational airlines operating in Czechia.

Table of Contents

• 1. Smartwings: The Dominant Scheduled Carrier

• 2. Czech Airlines (CSA): Now a Holding Company

• 3. ABS Jets: Premium Business Aviation Leader

• 4. Silesia Air: Regional Charter Specialist

• 5. JetBee Czech: Private Aviation Excellence

• 6. Silver Air: Long-Established Charter Provider

• 7. Van Air Europe: Brno-Based Charter Operator

• 8. Time Air: Corporate Aviation Solutions

• 9. Air 001: New Charter Brand Launching 2026

• 10. Additional Charter and Business Operators

• My Final Thoughts

1. Smartwings: The Dominant Scheduled Carrier

Smartwings represents the largest airline operation in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1997 as Travel Service, the carrier rebranded to Smartwings and has become Central Europe’s fastest-growing airline.

The airline operates scheduled services to over 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Recent winter 2025/26 expansion added seven new routes including Barcelona, Rome, Porto, Brussels, Bucharest, Bilbao, and Toulouse.

Smartwings holds air operator certificates in four countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. This multi-national structure positions it as a regional aviation powerhouse. Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines signed a €154 million acquisition deal in December 2025, pending regulatory approval.

Website: smartwings.com

2. Czech Airlines (CSA): Now a Holding Company

Czech Airlines completed its final independent flight on October 26, 2024, ending 101 years as an operational carrier. The airline now functions as a holding company overseeing Smartwings Group operations.

Founded in 1923, CSA was the fifth-oldest airline globally after KLM, Avianca, Qantas, and Aeroflot. The brand remains active for brand licensing and group management functions, though all flight operations transferred to Smartwings.

Industry professionals should note that CSA maintains its SkyTeam alliance membership and historical legacy. The transition reflects broader consolidation trends affecting European legacy carriers.

Website: csa.cz

3. ABS Jets: Premium Business Aviation Leader

ABS Jets operates the largest business jet fleet in Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 2004, the company specializes in private charter, aircraft management, and MRO services.

The fleet includes 20 midsize and ultra-long-range jets from manufacturers including Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, Embraer, Bombardier, and Cessna. The company recently added a Gulfstream G650ER to its roster.

With over 250 aviation professionals, ABS Jets serves corporate clients requiring flexible scheduling and premium service standards. The carrier operates from Prague and maintains satellite facilities across multiple Czech airports.

Website: absjets.com

4. Silesia Air: Regional Charter Specialist

Silesia Air holds an Air Operator Certificate from Czech Civil Aviation Authority for charter operations throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Founded in 2002, the airline operates from Václav Havel Airport Prague with additional service points in Ostrava, Brno, Pardubice, and Karlovy Vary. The carrier focuses on corporate charter, group travel, and specialized aviation services.

Silesia Air maintains ICAO code SUA and call sign AIR SILESIA. The airline provides custom flight solutions for business delegations, sports teams, and humanitarian organizations.

Website: silesiaair.cz

5. JetBee Czech: Private Aviation Excellence

JetBee Czech delivers private aircraft and air taxi services meeting all European air traffic regulations. The company emphasizes decades of pilot experience and operational safety.

The fleet accommodates various passenger requirements from small business jets to larger cabin aircraft. JetBee focuses on time-sensitive travel for executives requiring direct point-to-point connections bypassing commercial airline schedules.

Based at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport, JetBee serves clients across Europe with flexible departure times and custom itinerary planning. The carrier targets business professionals and private individuals seeking luxury travel experiences.

Website: jetbee.aero

6. Silver Air: Long-Established Charter Provider

Silver Air has operated since 1995 as a Czech charter airline specializing in business aviation. The carrier uses ICAO code SLD and call sign SILVERLINE.

Silver Air provides aircraft management, private charter, and aerotaxi services. The company’s operational history spans nearly three decades, establishing it as one of Czechia’s most experienced private aviation operators.

The airline serves clients requiring personalized flight schedules and premium cabin service. Silver Air operates various aircraft types suitable for short-haul European flights and regional connections.

Website: Contact via Czech aviation directories

7. Van Air Europe: Brno-Based Charter Operator

Van Air Europe operates as a Czech passenger and cargo charter airline headquartered in Brno. Founded in 2004 and commencing operations in 2006, the carrier uses IATA code V9.

The airline specializes in Let L-410 turboprop operations, providing charter services throughout Europe. Van Air Europe previously operated regional flights on behalf of other carriers between the Isle of Man and British Isles.

Based at Brno-Tuřany Airport, the airline serves charter clients requiring flexible scheduling and cargo transport capabilities. The carrier maintains Czech AOC and operates under ICAO code VAA with call sign EUROVAN.

Website: vanair.aero

8. Time Air: Corporate Aviation Solutions

Time Air provides private charter flights prioritizing time savings, safety, reliability, and comfort. Established in 2001, the carrier operates from Václav Havel Airport Prague.

The airline specializes in business charter services allowing corporate clients to optimize travel schedules. Time Air’s services target executives requiring direct flights to destinations without commercial airline service.

The company emphasizes simplified technical processes and smooth communication for seamless travel experiences. Time Air uses ICAO code TIE with call sign TIME AIR.

Website: timeair.cz

Quick Reference: Czech Business Aviation
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Primary Hub: Václav Havel Airport Prague
Secondary Bases: Brno, Ostrava, Pardubice
Service Types: Charter, aerotaxi, aircraft management
Target Markets: Corporate travel, private individuals

9. Air 001: New Charter Brand Launching 2026

Air 001 represents a new airline brand entering Czech aviation in 2026. Established by Polish travel agency Itaka in partnership with Bulgarian carrier Electra Airways, the airline will operate charter flights to Mediterranean destinations.

Prague Morning reports the carrier officially launches November 5, 2025, with summer 2026 flight operations. The fleet includes three Airbus A320s and one A321 aircraft.

Air 001 will collaborate with Čedok, the Czech subsidiary of Itaka. During its first operational season, the carrier completed approximately 1,400 flights transporting 240,000 passengers. The airline provides Itaka-branded flights without requiring independent air operator certification.

Czech travelers will gain additional direct connections to popular seaside resorts through this partnership. The carrier focuses on regional airport departures and holiday destination access.

Website: To be announced at November 2025 launch

10. Additional Charter and Business Operators

Several smaller operators maintain Czech AOCs for specialized services:

Eclair Aviation operates business jet charter with ICAO code ECC and call sign ECLAIR. The carrier provides corporate aviation services from Prague.

LR Airlines uses ICAO code LRB with call sign LADY RACINE. The operator focuses on private charter and aerotaxi services for high-net-worth individuals.

Air Prague holds AOC for aerotaxi services with ICAO code PRG and call sign AIR PRAGUE. The carrier specializes in business aviation within European airspace.

Queen Air operates private charter flights using ICAO code QNR with call sign QUEEN AIR. The company targets corporate clients requiring flexible travel solutions.

These operators collectively expand Czech aviation capacity beyond scheduled airline services, providing customized solutions for specialized travel requirements.

My Final Thoughts

Czech aviation stands at a consolidation point following Czech Airlines’ operational transition. Smartwings commands scheduled services while diverse charter operators fill specialized market segments. The pending Pegasus acquisition will reshape ownership structures without immediately altering operational patterns.

Business aviation remains robust with multiple established operators. ABS Jets leads in fleet size and service breadth, while smaller carriers serve niche requirements. The Air 001 launch signals continued charter market growth, particularly for Mediterranean holiday traffic.

The Czech market demonstrates how European aviation continues to consolidate scheduled services while maintaining competitive business aviation sectors.

Regional airports benefit from charter operator diversity, providing connectivity beyond Prague’s dominant hub position.