Aero Vodochody reach a profit again

07/09/2010 | AERO Vodochody a.s. reached a profit in the amount of CZK 279 million in 2009. Aero is thus reaching a profit this being since successful completion of restructuring in 2007, when the company was acquired by the Penta group. The revenues of Aero reached CZK 2.9 billion in 2009.

The profit of Aero in 2009 was significantly influenced mainly by cooperative programs, for example the production and sales of the Sikorsky helicopters. Other aerostructures significantly contributing to revenues were the Alenia C-27J program producing the entire centre wing part for the C-27J Spartan military transportation aircraft, further the F/A-18 – gun bay door program for the Boeing company, sub-assemblies for the EADS concern, pylons for JAS-39 Gripen, and Embraer 170/190 aircraft door sub-assemblies for Latecoere. Defence & MRO division contributed to revenues in 19 %, mainly from performance of contracts with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and support of all aircraft produced in Aero and serving in many armed forces in the world.

„In 2009, Aero faced adverse situations in the aerospace market. Virtually all areas of civil aviation program have been affected by significant reductions in demand, but Aero has succeeded to respond to this negative swing accordingly. Relatively significant cost reductions were done, thanks to successful start-up of activities in the field of "lean management" it was possible to maintain profitability at a decent level and also to lay the foundation of long-term maintenance of competitiveness,“ said prasident of the company Ladislav Šimek.

In 2009 Aero signed its first rish-share project with Belgium company Sonaca. Aero is involved in development of wing fixed leading edge for a new and innovative CSeries aircraft for the Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier. Significant success for Aero was also new contract form February 2010 on manufacturing of a cockpit for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. In 2009 Aero invested in renewal of machine fleet and technology a total amount of CZK 129 million.