Tag: Malev

New Airline for Hungary… Dreamers or Lunatics?

Hungary is in dire straights these days. A government with two-thirds majority in parliament having declared a fight for freedom and the desire not to be a colony of the European Union (yes, there are such weirdoes in the world), the economy in ruins and capital fleeing the sinking ship, their national airline, Malev was… Continue reading New Airline for Hungary… Dreamers or Lunatics?

Goldtimer Birthday Party with a LI-2 and Other Beauties

Crystal clear skies with just a few fluffy cumulus clouds above Budaors Airport provided the perfect setting for this special day, the 20th Anniversary of the Goldtimer Foundation. The sun was shining down on the participants of this flying jamboree which quickly evolved into a real family event. The LI-2, shiny as new, was waiting… Continue reading Goldtimer Birthday Party with a LI-2 and Other Beauties

Let’s make a new airline… A business plan for BlueSky Air?

It did not take long after Malev, the Hungarian national airline stopped operations a few months ago that experts started to think about making a new one. An airline that would carry on the Malev tradition but be more of a commercial venture, hopefully able to stand on its own in the cut-throat environment of… Continue reading Let’s make a new airline… A business plan for BlueSky Air?

Memories of another day.

One of the consequences of Malev’s bankruptcy and disappearance from the European airline scene is the raft of old pictures and other memorabilia that people, former employees, passengers and enthusiasts, suddenly pull from their drawers and hard disks to share them with a community that is still reeling from the shock of the disappearance of… Continue reading Memories of another day.

Old engine starts for Malev anniversary

Last week marked the 66th anniversary of the establishment of MALEV Hungarian Airlines. Although the national icon has not survived the hurdles of to-days airline world (it went bankrupt two months ago), her people gathered for what may be the last birthday party for the airline to lament the past and express hope for the… Continue reading Old engine starts for Malev anniversary

Will there ever be a new Malev?

It is well known now that experts and enthusiasts alike started thinking about a new Hungarian airline almost the day after the sad collapse of the 66 years old icon, Malev. Not much has happened so far, obviously, investing in a new airline is not a high priority for anyone and investing in a new… Continue reading Will there ever be a new Malev?

The Darkest Winter

Spring has arrived and we are leaving behind Ferihegy’s darkest winter. Although I could write about weather-related problems or minor aviation incidents, there is something far worse for the storyteller to write about. What has previously figured only in our worst nightmares has become reality on 3 February. I have written about this before and… Continue reading The Darkest Winter

Protesters carry Malev flag in Budapest

March 15 is the National Day in Hungary. This year anti-government protesters were out in force, their numbers impressive and a clear sign that patiernce with the conservative, largely unsuccesful government is running thin. This flag, the Hungarian tricolor combined with an image of a Malev aircraft, was a stark reminder of one of the most painful… Continue reading Protesters carry Malev flag in Budapest

In Memoriam – Budapest Ferihegy Airport Terminal 1

The current Hungarian government can claim credit for a series of mistakes but allowing the national airline to go bust without a successor, when in fact the previous government had left a detailed blueprint for setting up a new airline, is certainly among the most painful. An absolute first is also the fact that Terminal… Continue reading In Memoriam – Budapest Ferihegy Airport Terminal 1