Aero boosts L-39NG production and opens second shifts
Vodochody, August 31, 2023 – Aero, a traditional Czech manufacturer of jet aircraft, has strengthened its capacity and opened second shifts on assembly lines for the production of the new series-produced L-39NG aircraft. The output of the two production lines is the rear fuselage and wing section of the aircraft.
Aero has increased the capacity of two L-39NG production lines by more than 40 employees to produce the rear fuselage and wings of the aircraft during the second shift. Another two dozen or so employees are working in production during the extended shift. Aero has so far signed orders for 34 L-39NG aircraft. Delivery of the first L-39NGs to the first customer is expected by the end of the year. “We have increased our capacity in order to meet the needs of our customers who would like to shorten the time of some deliveries, and at the same time to continue production according to the planned schedule,” says Jan Čáp, Aero’s Vice President and Chief Industrial Officer.
Approximately 14,000 parts are required to complete one L-39NG aircraft. Aero cooperates with 400 suppliers, about 35 percent of which are based outside the Czech Republic. “Aero’s production is thus significantly influenced by the supply chain and the ability of suppliers to meet the agreed schedule. In addition, we have lost some suppliers due to the war in Ukraine. For example, we had to replace the engine supplier, the Ukrainian company Motor Sich, with Williams International, which produces the FJ44-4M engine for the L-39NG. We also had to find new suppliers for other parts of the aircraft, which is not easy in the aviation industry,” explains Viktor Sotona, President and CEO of Aero. In addition to strengthening capacities and opening new supply channels, Aero is also focusing on modernising its own production and increasing the number of machines or equipment needed for production.
The L-39NG is a completely new generation of two-seat subsonic jet aircraft. It combines advanced avionics systems, an extremely efficient jet engine and excellent flight characteristics. The L-39NG platform allows for both Western and Eastern configurations and meets the requirements for full-fledged, modern, comprehensive and cost-effective Air Force military training. In addition to pilot training, it is also suitable for light combat and reconnaissance missions.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance and improvement of civil and military aircraft and is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of own aircraft, AERO is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military trainer and light combat aircraft. With 11,000 aircraft produced in its 100 years of existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially with its new L-39NG aircraft, AERO has established itself as a leader in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, AERO works with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft assemblies, but also for their development.
Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
e-mail: radka.cerna@aero
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