Aero changes the rules of the game: new contracts guarantee operational availability of the L-39 Skyfox and introduce the Skycare program

Vodochody, July 9, 2025 – AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s., a leading European manufacturer of military jet aircraft, today announced the signing of two significant long-term contracts for comprehensive support to operators of the new L-39 Skyfox tactical training aircraft. The contracts with LOM PRAHA and the Hungarian Defense Forces confirm Aero’s ambition to set a new standard for operational sustainability and high fleet readiness for immediate deployment. Both contracts also include the launch of the Aero Skycare program, which provides customers with cost predictability and comprehensive fleet support throughout their service life.

“By signing these contracts, Aero joins the ranks of the world’s leading manufacturers capable of guaranteeing high operational availability of their aircraft throughout their entire life cycle,” said Filip Kulštrunk, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Aero. “The Skycare program brings our customers significant benefits, primarily predictable operating costs based on planned flight hours and comprehensive support for L-39 Skyfox fleets by our specialists. This allows them to focus fully on their core tasks – preparing and training pilots for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.”

The first contract, signed with the state-owned company LOM PRAHA, will provide comprehensive support for four L-39 Skyfox aircraft operated by the Aviation Training Center in Pardubice. The four-year contract, valid until the end of 2028, guarantees integrated logistics support, spare parts deliveries, and the option for LOM PRAHA to order additional services and upgrades related to both the aircraft and the entire training system.

The second contract, concluded with the Hungarian Defense Forces, covers a fleet of twelve L-39 Skyfox aircraft for a period of five years. Aero guarantees operational availability exceeding 80 percent and will provide a complete package of integrated logistics support, engineering services, training, and dedicated customer support – both remotely and directly at the customer’s site.

Aero Skycare – a new standard in comprehensive fleet support

The Aero Skycare program, which is an integral part of both contracts, represents a new concept in aircraft operational support and financing. It is designed to provide military users with maximum reliability, flexibility, and transparent cost planning.

“Aero Skycare is a comprehensive operational support solution that combines integrated logistics support, engineering services, training, and dedicated customer care on a pay-per-flight-hour basis. It allows customers to choose from a range of logistics and post-warranty service packages tailored to their specific needs, with full cost planning. In the future, we also plan to introduce new optional services, primarily in the areas of operational data analysis and predictive maintenance,” explains Ondřej Koukol, Chief Product Strategy Officer, highlighting the advantages of the new product.

The Skycare program is based on three key pillars:

1. Complete logistical support, which includes all planned and unplanned maintenance of L-39 Skyfox aircraft and their systems.

2. Engineering and technical service, provided by Aero experts both directly at the customer’s site and from the company’s headquarters.

3. Customer care with digital support, which includes clear communication, monitoring of operational data, and flexible solutions to operators’ requests.

Deliveries of Skyfox aircraft are already underway and the first operational deployments are in full swing. LOM PRAHA took delivery of two L-39 Skyfox aircraft at the beginning of the year, with the remaining two to be delivered by the end of this quarter. The Hungarian Armed Forces received the first three aircraft out of a total of 12 ordered in May. The Aero Skycare program is available to all current and future operators of the L-39 Skyfox.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and modernization 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 its own aircraft, Aero is a long-standing partner to a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military training and light combat aircraft. Thanks to the 11,000 aircraft it has produced in its 100-year history, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators and in a number of demo teams, and especially thanks to its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft, Aero has proven itself as a reliable partner in the global market for jet trainer aircraft. In the field of civil aviation, Aero cooperates 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 production and assembly of aircraft components, but also for their development.

Contact:
Radka Černá, PR & Communications Manager
e-mail: radka.cerna@aero
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