Airlines

MALÉV - Hungarian Airlines - airline information

General information

MALÉV, Hungary's previous national air carrier is the leader in Central Europe, with some of the most modern fleets in the World, cosnisting of about 30 aircraft, mainly Boeing 737s.

The name MALÉV is an abbreviation from "Magyar Légközlekedési Vonalak", meaning "Hungarian Air Transportation Lines".

MALÉV is not a flag carrier anymore (at least by defintion it isn't), since the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has bought it in 2007.

The airline serves primarily regional destinations, in countries located in Central Europe and Eastern Europe, as well as multiple important places in the western parts of the continent.

Long-haul flights are operated to Bangkok, New York, Toronto, Beijing and Shanghai.

MALÉV organizes charter flights to vacation destinations, especially to popular vacation destinations, like the Maldives.

Fact sheet

Destinations

The airline operates primarily within Europe. Flies to almost any important major European city, touching almost every capital city. MALÉV focuses especially on Central, Eastern and Western European flights. It operates few intercontinental flights: Bangkok, New York, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai.

The carrier serves 59 cities and 35 countries. Operates up to 60 flights a day from its only base and hub, Ferihegy International Airport, Hungary, a place where over 9 million passengers get passed the gates every year.

The company is extending its destinations throughout 2007 and possibly in the next years as well, reaching out to major Eastern European destinations, such as Yekaterinburg (Ekateringburg), Russia.

MALÉV flies charter trips to important vacation destinations, especially during the summer. The Maldives Islands, for instance are among them.

Because 3 new long range Boeing 767-300s have been ordered, the company is expected to start flying to new destinations, we could speculate that Tokyo is on top of the list (Japanese tourists are important clients to Hungary's rich tourism industry).

Fleet

MALÉV has one of the most modern fleets in the World. In 2006, the average age of their aircraft was of 4,6 years.

The Hungarian carrier operates mainly Boeing aircraft from the 737, 767 series, as well as Fokker 70 and Canadair Jet CRJ-200 for short-haul flights to nearby countries.

Gradually, the older long-range airplanes, constituted by Tupolev Tu-154 were changed for Boeing 767s. The last Tu-154 retired in 2001.

Today, the airline runs almost exclusively Boeing aircraft and more orders have been placed for 3 additional Boeing 767 long range airplanes. With the new planes, MALÉV is planning to modernize its fleet even further (retiring the 2 Boeing 767s that are currently flying to Asia and North America).

MALÉV has been operating flights to Toronto, New York, Bangkok and Shanghai. With the introduction of 3 new long range planes, at least one new destination is expected to be introduced.

The technical records of the Hungarian airline are excellent.

The company has a very good safety reputation with very few incidents.

Frequent flyer program

MALÉV's frequent flyer is called Duna Club.

Due to the fact that the airline is part of the One World Alliance, you have the possibility to continue using your card, due to the fact that this service is harmonized between the members.

Activity & market position

MALÉV - Hungarian Airlines was a fully state-owned company, in 1999, only 0,5 % of the shares were owned by small shareholders, while 99,5 % were in the hands of the state. The company was fully privatized in 2007. It was bought by Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, who also owns the English soccer team Chelsea.

Considering its current status, Hungarian Airlines is no longer a flag carrier, even though, it still has the appearance of the old company.

Partnerships & alliances

MALÉV - Hungarian Airlines has conducted negotiations with the Sky Team Alliance, but eventually, in 2005 and agreement was signed with another strategic alliance, One World.

At the beginning of 2007, MALÉV  has become a full member of the One World Alliance, along with the other newcomers, JAL - Japan Airlines, LAN Ecuador, LAN Argentina, Royal Jordanian, Dragonair.

MALÉV contributes to the One World Alliance with several unique destinations, where none of the other members fly.

This way, MALÉV's services (such as the frequent flyer program, flight booking, etc.) will be harmonized with those of its partners from the alliance.

Code-share agreements:

Hungarian Airlines has important agreements regarding code-sharing with major airlines like NorthWest Airlines and American Airlines.

Airlines which with MALÉV has code-share agreements:

Aeroflot

Aerosvit

Air France

Alitalia

American Airlines

British Airways

Bulgaria Air

Finnair

Iberia

JAL - Japan Airlines

KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines

SN Brussels Airlines

NorthWest Airlines   

Current activity and perspectives for the future

Fleet growth and strategic partnerships  

MALÉV - Hungarian Airlines is planning to start introducing its 3 newly ordered Boeing 767-300s starting with 2007, replacing its currently used 767-200s until 2009 and, possibly extending to further destinations.

The company is planning to sell its 4 Canadair Jet CRJ-200 airplanes. Possibly new short range aircraft will be acquired, because MALÉV is putting more and more accent on the destinations within 2.000 kms from Hungary. The airline wouldn't be able to serve all airports it has already started operating on if it doesn't replace the CRJ-200s.

 Last modified/updated: April 9, 2007