With the latest version of the L-39 Albatros, Aero Vodochody has a potential Saab 105Ö successor in its program. Even before the decision is made, the Penta Group sells the manufacturer to a Czech-Hungarian joint venture.
After thirteen years, Aero Vodochody Aerospace is changing hands. Aero Investment Partners from Hungary is taking over the group of companies, to which Aero Vodochody also belongs, from the Penta Group. This is a joint venture between the Czech company Aero International s.r.o. (49 percent), which belongs to the Omnipol Group, and the Hungarian businessman András Tombor (51 percent). The Omnipol Group, which has already been responsible for exporting most of Aero’s aircraft and has been a strategic partner in the L-39NG project since 2015, will take over the management.
The L-39NG is the successor to the L-39 Albatros, which is considered the most successful jet trainer in history. Starting in 1970, almost 3,000 units of the model were produced, some of which are still in service with more than 40 military operators. The L-39NG (NG stands for Next Generation) is now set to build on its former successes with a “wet wing”, glass cockpit and its Williams International FJ-44-4M engine. According to the company, it currently has a total of 38 orders from the Portuguese aviation company Skytech, RSW Aviation from Phoenix in Arizona and the Senegalese armed forces. However, deliveries to the African country, which were originally planned for this year, are likely to be delayed. Aero also sees opportunities for the L-39NG in Austria as a successor to the Saab-105Ö. The company also sees potential in Slovakia: with the support of the Czech Ministry of Defense, Aero recently offered the government in Bratislava eight L-39NGs for its pilot training. “The offer includes significant industrial cooperation with strong involvement of Slovakian companies in the production of components, the further development of the L-39NG project, logistical support and the development of a ground training system,” said Jakub Hoda, Vice President for Sales and member of the Board of Directors of Aero Vodochody.
Slovakia will replace its old MiG-29s with American F-16s from 2022, according to Jaroslav Nad, Slovakia’s new defense minister, who is now looking for a cost-effective alternative to expensive pilot training in the USA. “We will therefore seriously consider the offer,” says Nad. “Aero has a great past, but also great potential for the future,” says Richard Háva, owner of the Omnipol Group. “Our goal is to build on the company’s tradition and continue to drive all business areas forward.” Over the past 100 years, the manufacturer has produced around 11,000 aircraft.
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