Hungary Airlines Aims to Bridge East and West

DALLAS — Hungary Airlines, a new carrier launched in 2021, has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Boeing to purchase 100 737 MAX aircraft.

Originally named Universal Translink Airline Hungary Kft., Hungary Airlines was established as a cargo operator in May 2021. The company is majority-owned by Chinese businessman Wu Jiang and has two CEOs: Wu Jiang and Duan Bo.

Hungary Airlines plans to position itself as a global brand and expand its freight operations, pursuing a Hungarian Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and explore potential passenger service in the future to boost traffic between Central and Eastern Europe and China, using Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) as a hub.

Supported by Hungary's strategic location as a potential "bridge between East and West," the move is part of the broader 'Belt and Road Initiative' cooperation, which positions the new airline to benefit from close Hungary-China relations.

The new carrier intends to commence cargo flights from Budapest to Hong Kong in December 2024, with some saying it could potentially take over Airbus A330F operations from Wizz Air (W6).

Nevertheless, critics have raised concerns regarding the ambitious scope of the fleet plan and the selection of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for long-haul routes to China, as these aircraft have a limited range for such flights.

To know more about the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft family range, check out our latest explainer.

Featured image: Hungary Airlines' one and only current aircraft, A332F HA-LHU.