Smartwings has appointed Emre Pekesen as chief executive and Nur Karabacak as chief financial officer after Pegasus Airlines completed its acquisition of Smartwings Group and Czech Airlines on 1 October. The leadership changes followed the closing immediately, as the Turkish carrier took control of the Czech group following regulatory approvals and fulfilment of the transaction conditions.
The appointments appear designed to preserve continuity as Smartwings keeps operating under its existing brands rather than undergoing a full rebrand. Pegasus has indicated that the group will continue day-to-day operations under Smartwings and Czech Airlines, while the management reshuffle gives the new owner direct oversight of the business.
The deal has been reported at about €154 million in initial terms, while one filing placed the cash consideration at €142.3 million for the Smartwings Group stake. Smartwings remains a significant carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, with a network of around 80 destinations in 20 countries and a combined fleet of roughly 175 aircraft alongside Czech Airlines. The transaction is the first visible leadership move since the takeover and points to Pegasus’ approach to integrating the Czech group.