During the last days of the Cold War in 1988, Czechoslovakia's Aero Vodochody's factory outside Prague produced a record 250 of its Albatros L-39 training jets for Soviet bloc air forces. Those customers disappeared with the collape of Communism as successive governments focused on building a market economy and steered away from arms exports, sending the industry into a tailspin. Numerous comeback attempts sputtered for Aero, which halted jet production between 2003 and 2015. <br /><br /> Now a growing number of conflicts around the world is helping to fuel demand for arms, providing Czech firms an opportunity to sell to customers looking for a supplier from a country that does not usually impose political strings. (Reuters) -
With the political support at home that is essential for doing deals with foreign militaries, the industry is experiencing a revival as Aero and other companies ramp up production and target new customers, particularly in emerging markets. (Reuters)
-
The influence of big countries in emerging markets is changing. It gives companies like Aero, the opportunity to compete in more international markets. (Reuters)
-
Boeing bought a stake in Aero in the 1990s but sold it back to the government after failing to land new contracts. Czech-Slovak private equity group Penta bought Aero in 2006. (Reuters)
-
Giordo, who took the helm at Aero in 2016, has overseen the relaunch of the L-159 and is pushing plans for the next generation L-39 trainer. It aims to produce up to 26 aircraft annually over the next 10 to 15 years. (Reuters)
-
The company has also re-launched production of new parts for the L-39 — which can turn into a light version of the combat fighter at the flick of a switch — in recent weeks. (Reuters)
-
Aero delivered 12 L-159 jets to the Iraqi air force at the end of last year, including one made in 2016, the first since 2003. The company revamped 11 other jets that had been in storage. (Reuters)
-
Aero expects to seal two contracts for the next generation L-39 jet trainer in central Europe and is pursuing three potential deals in Asia, South America and Europe. (Reuters)
-
The company relaunched full production of the jet in July and expects to produce three next generation L-39s for testing and a fourth ready for delivery to a customer in 2020. (Reuters)
-
Aero, founded in 1919, moved to its current facilities in 1953, a sprawling complex of low-rise hangers, assembly areas and corporate offices to focus on manufacturing Soviet MiG fighters. (Reuters)
Aadhaar Card update October 2025: Here’s how to change name, address, date of birth and phone number online in simple steps
