Hungarian Go-Round

Hungary may be chomping at the bit to reestablish a national airline after Malév's demise in 2012 (gosh, has it been that long already?), but it seems unlikely that it will happen. 

As an article in Portfolio.hu points out, Wizz Air has the area wrapped up in a neat cloud covered package. There really is no need for another significant national airline. After Sólyom Airways, with their non-Hungarian moniker attempted and failed rapidly, it should be obvious that another attempt is futile. It is like riding the merry-go-round; there is no ending point, just going in circles.

You can read the Portfolio.hu article here.

Pin It Now!

See Me Fly Before I Have Fallen From the Sky

Here is a riddle for you. What is silver and blue with a red, green, and white stripe that is currently flying, but may not be for much longer? Give up? Here is a hint.

Yes, the Hungarian national airline may be permanently grounded in the near future. As it turns out, the European Union is imposing fines on the national airline for selling its soul to the 'wrong' investors just to keep the airline afloat. 


Apparently, the government from which the airline calls home, is the wrong investor. The EU is fining Malév for receiving state support totaling Ft 100 billion (€355 million) to keep it afloat. Well, technically it should be keeping it airborne, but with the losses Malév have stacked up, losses of Ft 25 billion last year and expected to end this year in the red with Ft 8-10 billion, it is drowning in debt. Afloat is the better choice of words in this instance. 


The real shame of it all is that each and every time we have flown Malév, we have been pleased with the service. I have never heard a non-Hungarian ever complain about the airline. Not that I have heard Hungarians complain, but since they are still telling me how awful the Budapest public transportation system is, they cannot be trusted to judge any form of people movers. 


Believe me, we have heard enough airline complaints to fill an encyclopedia. The largest entry would be under Air France. Now there is a dismal excuse for a national airline. Malév, there are a few of us rooting for you!

Pin It Now!

Something Special in the Air?

I just read that American Airlines, who had the slogan "Something Special in the Air" has announced daily direct daily flights between New York and Budapest starting on April 6th. Malev, the Hungarian national carrier will have share coding with these flights. Don't even ask what Malev's slogan is. During winter months, the flights will be reduced to 4 times a week.


Save those frequent flier points~

Related articles

• Brussels to probe government aid for Malev (ft.com)
• You: EU to probe state aid to Hungarian national airline Malev (earthtimes.org)
• Best Airlines for Earning Frequent Flyer Miles (airportparking.org)
• Frommer's picks the top 10 airport lounges (travel.usatoday.com)

Pin It Now!