Aero Vodochody reached record profit in 2008.

16/06/2009 | In 2008, Aero Vodochody, the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, made its highest profit in the last six years, USD 23.6 million.

In 2008, Aero Vodochody, the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, made its highest profit in the last six years, USD 23.6 million. The revenue of Aero was approximately USD 250 million.

“In 2008, Aero made a higher profit than in 2007 which confirms that the privatization and the following stabilization of the Company in 2007 were successful. Now we focus on our strategic aim: to be the preferred partner in first-class projects of leading aerospace manufacturers, to participate in risk-sharing projects and offer reliable services and advanced products in the global aerospace and defense industry,” says Igor Hulak, President of Aero. “Aero will keep developing its current potential organically, by innovation and investment in advanced technologies, as well as through international acquisitions. Through acquisitions, we are going to build a new European aerospace group in the CEE region,” adds Igor Hulak.

The revenues in 2008 were mainly influenced by the aerostructures programs, especially the production and sale of the Sikorsky helicopters: more than 50 S-76C++ helicopters and one S-76D prototype were delivered to Sikorsky Aircraft. The companies also together celebrated a jubilee delivery of the 250th helicopter produced by Aero. As for the other aerostructures programs, the Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Program, producing the whole center wing box, the F/A-18 Program (gun bay door for Boeing), subassemblies of Airbus aircraft for EADS or Embraer door subassemblies for Latecoere played the major part in the revenue generation. The Military Program contributed 12 % of the revenue. This was generated mainly through our unique position in supporting the Czech Air Force in its successful L-159 operation as well as continued support of Aero military aircraft in service worldwide.

AERO Vodochody a.s. is the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, mainly focusing on cooperation with leading aerospace manufacturers in international aerostructures projects – Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (S-76C helicopter), Alenia Aeronautica (C-27J Spartan center wing box), Latecoere (Embraer 170/190 subassemblies), Saab (JAS-39 Gripen pylons), Spirit Aerosystems (B767 fixed leading edge kits), EADS (A320/340 subassemblies), etc. The Military Program of Aero is a long-term partner to several air forces, particularly the Czech Air Force. This year, Aero celebrates 90 years since its foundation and thus ranks among the oldest aerospace manufacturers in the world. To the AERO Group also belong Technometra Radotin (Czech Republic), landing gears manufacturer, and Rotortech Aero Composites (UK), manufacturer of composites, and Vodochody Airport.