2024 in Aero: L-39 Skyfox, Wage Increases, Expanded Production Capacities, and Increased Output for Airbus and Embraer
Vodochody, December 19, 2024 – AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, the largest Czech aircraft manufacturer, celebrated its 105th anniversary in 2024 by unveiling the first training aircraft for LOM PRAHA. To mark this milestone and the start of series production, the aircraft was officially named the L-39 Skyfox. Aero also delivered aircraft to Vietnam, increased production for Airbus and Embraer, and raised wages for its employees.
“As the first L-39 Skyfox prepares for delivery to LOM PRAHA and its flight to Pardubice, I would like to thank all our employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners for their collaboration. The year 2024 was groundbreaking and full of significant milestones, not only for our company but for the entire Czech aviation industry, which is once again making its presence known on the global stage,” said Viktor Sotona, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Aero.
January – March 2024:
Aero has long been involved in civil production. Over 15 years of collaboration with Airbus, the company has manufactured more than 370 leading-edge wing structures for the A220 aircraft. These 17-meter-long components, comprising 3,000 parts, are among the most technologically advanced sections of the aircraft. In 2024, Aero increased their production by 80%, reaching an annual output of 100 units, further strengthening its position in this field.
Another key event of the first quarter was Aero’s acquisition of a 100% stake in Technometra Český Brod, a company supplying critical components for Aero’s aircraft, including the new L-39 Skyfox. Aero also signed a collective agreement for 2024, improving working conditions for employees. Salaries rose by an average of 5%, with workers receiving monthly bonuses increased to 15% of their base pay, alongside significant improvements in shift allowances.
April – June 2024:
In the spring, Aero executed an extraordinary logistical operation involving the loading of 22 trucks with L-39 Skyfox aircraft and equipment for customers. In addition, Aero transported leading edges for the Airbus A220, requiring exceptional coordination.
In June, Aero signed a memorandum of cooperation with Sweden’s Saab to adapt the L-39 Skyfox for the Hungarian Air Force. Aero also showcased the first L-39 Skyfox for Czech customer LOM PRAHA at its Vodochody airport. This aircraft will play a crucial role in training future F-35 pilots. Aero will deliver a total of four aircraft with an option for four more, including a comprehensive training system and support package.
July – September 2024
In the third quarter, Aero received official authorization to develop, manufacture, and maintain Hungarian state-registered L-39 Skyfox aircraft. This certification affirmed Aero’s capabilities as a design, manufacturing, and maintenance organization.
During the summer, Aero successfully delivered six L-39 Skyfox aircraft to its first customer in Vietnam. These aircraft underwent successful Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) with the Vietnamese Air Force, where they were assembled, test-flown, and handed over for full operational use. Vietnam thus became the first operator of this modern training aircraft.
Aero also announced expanded collaborations with Embraer and Airbus. Production for Embraer is set to quadruple over six years, while output for Airbus leading edges will more than triple within three years. To meet growing production demands, Aero hired 80 new employees.
In September, Aero launched the largest IT investment in its history. This digital transformation of manufacturing processes will modernize operations in line with Industry 4.0 principles, improving development, production, and supply chain management. Additionally, Aero obtained a type certificate for the training version of the L-39 Skyfox designed for NATO pilot training.
October – December 2024:
In October, Aero officially named its training aircraft the L-39 Skyfox, continuing its tradition of naming aircraft after animals, such as the L-29 Delfín and L-39 Albatros. Skyfox aircraft will serve, among other roles, in training pilots of the Czech Armed Forces at LOM PRAHA’s Flight Training Center in Pardubice.
In the fourth quarter, Aero focused on key projects and strategic partnerships. In October, Aero and Embraer signed an addendum to their agreement, strengthening collaboration on the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft program. The deal increased the Czech share of production and outlined plans to ramp up output from four sets in 2024 to twelve sets annually in the coming years.
Aero also expanded its support for technical education in collaboration with Czech universities, offering internships, mentoring, and real-world projects to inspire young talent to pursue technical careers.
The Czech Ministry of Defense awarded Pavel Henzl, Head of Aero’s Analysis Department, the Army General Karel Janoušek Medal for his significant contributions to the certification of the L-39 Skyfox.
About AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s.:
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and modernization of civil and military aircraft. As the largest aviation manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest in the world, Aero is a long-standing partner to numerous air forces.
With over 11,000 aircraft produced over a century, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service worldwide, and the introduction of the new L-39 Skyfox, Aero has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market.
In civil aviation, Aero collaborates with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects, participating in several risk-sharing programs where it is responsible for the development, production, and assembly of aerospace components.
Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
Email: radka.cerna@aero
Phone: +420 608 974 258
Website: www.aero.cz
Facebook: @aerovodochody
X: @AERO_Vodochody
LinkedIn: @aero-vodochody-aerospace-a.s.
