Malév Hungarian Airlines (MA / MAH) was a Hungarian national airline established in 1946 and operated a network of its lines until 2012. Today, however, exactly 5 years have passed since the farewell to this successful airline and their call sign “Malev” 04.02. 2012 has definitely been tied to air traffic control frequencies.
In 2012, Malév operated a fleet of 22 aircraft in total, consisting of Boeing B737-600/700/800 and Dash 8 Q400, and through these aircraft operated a network of lines to 50 destinations in 34 countries of the world. However, Malév has operated a number of other types of aircraft, such as IL-14, IL-18, IL-62, Lisunov Li-2, TU-134, TU-154, and several Boeing B767s. At the same time, Malév has been one of the world’s leading One World Alliance since 2007, cooperating with a number of world airlines.
HA-LNB, Canadair CL-600-2B19 Regional Jet CRJ-200ER
But at the beginning of 2012, Malév was in financial trouble. These problems arose after the European Union decided to unlawfully support the company from the Hungarian state in 2007-2010. Malév had to return this support (approximately € 130 million) and became insolvent. As a result of this, after 66 years of operation of the airline, the gradual restriction of the operated lines and the complete stop of the operation on 03.02. 2012 and the return of aircraft back to leasing companies. 14. 02. 2012 Malév declared insolvency and bankruptcy. Today, only memories in the form of photographs, videos and radio communications are left to Malév.
In Slovakia, Malév was represented by Antonov AN-2 and Lisunov Li-2 on various air days and events.
Malev AN-2 HA-YHF
Malev Li-2 HA-LIX
The last farewell in the Slovak airspace with the last aircraft, which were on 04.02. 2012 returned leasing company and flying from Budapest to Irish Shannon you can hear here:
