Smartwings have gained more time to solve financial problems by extending the moratorium on debt repayments until the end of February. The moratorium was originally scheduled to expire at the end of November.
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“It was a deposit for the 737 MAX aircraft, which we were to receive by the end of September, and Boeing did not deliver it,” said the company’s boss Jiří Šimáně. The purchase agreement allowed Smartwings to subsequently withdraw from the purchase of the aircraft, so the American company has now returned the previously paid deposit.
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The server drew attention to messages from social networks, according to which a total of two machines will not be delivered from Boeing to the Czech carrier.
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Smartwings have been facing problems with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft since last spring. The aircraft have been shut down worldwide after accidents and have not yet been allowed to operate again.
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Smartwings then owned seven of these aircraft, and another 21 were going to take over last year. At the end of last year, the company estimated losses due to the shutdown of problem aircraft at more than 1.5 billion crowns. Airlines are now seeking compensation from the US manufacturer.
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The airline asked the state for help in the spring, but neither Smartwings nor its sister CSA have received it yet.
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