China-Backed Hungary Airlines Signs Boeing Deal

Hungary Airlines recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing in Beijing last month for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The new Hungarian carrier is reportedly interested in purchasing 100 737 MAX aircraft from the troubled U.S. planemaker.

Much is Unknown About Hungary Airlines

Hungary Airlines is funded by Chinese businessman Wu Jiang and is majority-owned by Chinese businesses. Originally named Universal Translink Airline Hungary, the carrier was established in May 2021 as a cargo airline.

The airline is reportedly planning on its first flight later this month, in the form of cargo operations between Hungary and several Chinese cities. However, the airline also does not seem to have its AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) yet.

Filling a Long-Haul Gap in Hungary?

Hungary currently lacks a long-haul national airline, and the country’s entire intercontinental network is served by foreign carriers. LOT Polish Airlines is the only E.U. airline that flies long-haul from Hungary, with three weekly connections to Seoul in South Korea. LOT also previously connected Budapest with New York JFK as recently as 2022.

A LOT Boeing 787 in Everett, Washington (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

The country and the airport of Budapest have been targeting more direct long-haul destinations and increased connectivity. The country currently lacks connection with North America, with the U.S. last served by LOT in 2022 and Canada last served by Air Canada in the summer of 2022.

Hungary-China Market Booming

The country has seen an exponential rise in services to the Chinese mainland in the past few years. In 2024 alone, China Southern launched flights to the Hungarian capital from Guangzhou, Shanghai Airlines started flying from Xi’an, and Hainan Airlines launched a connection with Shenzhen.

At present, Budapest is connected non-stop with seven Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Xi’an, by Shanghai Airlines, China Southern, Air China, and Hainan Airlines.

The current bilateral air service agreement between the countries allows for 21 weekly flights from each country. Chinese carriers fly 19 flights in the winter season of 2024, while no Hungarian carrier connects the two countries.

Reports suggest that the agreement is being renegotiated, with the number of weekly frequencies set to increase and new routes being launched as travel demand between the two countries hikes up and ties deepen. The routes discussed include a connection to Xiamen by SkyTeam carrier Xiamen Airlines, as well as a connection to Chengdu on Sichuan Airlines.

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Anthony Bang An

Anthony is an aviation enthusiast who grew up around the world from St. Louis to Singapore, and now lives in Amsterdam. He loves long-haul flying and finds peace in the sound of engine cruising. He aspires to share his passion for the sky though writing and providing another angle on the stories.

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