Another two L-39 Skyfox aircraft head to Pardubice. Aero has now delivered all aircraft to LOM PRAHA

Vodochody, August 20, 2025 – AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE has today successfully delivered the last two L-39 Skyfox training and tactical aircraft to the state enterprise LOM PRAHA. The aircraft will join the training fleet of the Flight Training Centre in Pardubice, where they will be used to train Czech Air Force pilots, including future pilots of F-35 aircraft.

“Delivering the remaining aircraft and completing the entire contract six months earlier than scheduled at the customer’s request is a testament to the professionalism of our team and the efficiency of our production. We are pleased that the Skyfox is gaining the trust of instructors and pilots, significantly advancing the level of training, and at the same time supporting the Czech aviation industry,” said Viktor Sotona, President and CEO of Aero.

He added that Aero has already entered discussions with LOM PRAHA, which is part of the NATO Flight Training Europe programme, regarding the option for an additional four L-39 Skyfox aircraft. “The Skyfox meets the strictest alliance standards and, thanks to its EMAR 21 and EMACC certifications recognised by all EU and NATO military authorities, it is regarded as a reference platform for the training of European pilots. By exercising the option for four additional aircraft, the Czech Republic, through LOM PRAHA, would gain sufficient capacity to participate in the training of NATO member state pilots and to strengthen joint training capabilities,” Viktor Sotona, President and CEO of Aero, explained.

The last two aircraft were delivered to LOM PRAHA ahead of the schedule agreed in the contract. Before the official handover to the customer, a comprehensive inspection is carried out, during which LOM PRAHA experts verify the full functionality of all systems and compliance with the technical specification. This inspection includes functionality tests of the aircraft and the integrated training system, visual inspection of the airframe and engine, verification of the mandatory ground equipment and documentation, and finally a flight test according to a strictly defined acceptance programme.

The first practical experience with the Aero L-39 Skyfox aircraft was gained by LOM PRAHA instructor pilots as early as October last year. “The L-39 Skyfox is an excellent aircraft for training young pilots. Compared to the previous generation, it reacts more quickly to control stick movements, has excellent acceleration and deceleration, and is easy to control even at higher altitudes above four kilometres. Thanks to the new avionics, flying in complex weather conditions or reduced visibility is much more comfortable. The modern cockpit provides greater pilot comfort and intuitive control,” summarised Tomáš Merta, instructor pilot of the Flight Training Centre at LOM PRAHA.

The L-39 Skyfox aircraft is ready for both basic and advanced training of future F-35 pilots, bringing a fundamental shift in pilot training for the next generation. Skyfox is equipped with the latest technologies, including composite materials and integrated fuel tanks that contribute to lower operating costs and excellent range. Modern avionics ensure maximum safety even in adverse weather conditions, while the cockpit, with its head-up display, Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) concept, and multifunctional displays with realistic 3D terrain rendering, provides intuitive control and comfort during long flights. A key advantage of the L-39 Skyfox is its integration with the virtual training system, which allows simulation of complex combat scenarios directly in the cockpit.

On November 14, 2022, a contract was signed for the delivery of four Aero L-39 Skyfox aircraft for the Flight Training Centre of LOM PRAHA. The contract also included an option for an additional four aircraft. Series production of the tactical training aircraft began at Aero on May 10, 2023. In June 2024, Aero carried out the maiden flight of the first L-39 Skyfox intended for LOM PRAHA. In February 2025, Aero handed over the first two aircraft. Around 600 suppliers are currently involved in the production of the L-39 Skyfox, 400 of which are based in the Czech Republic.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and modernisation of civil and military aircraft. It 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 many air forces and holds a strong position in the market for military training and light combat aircraft. Thanks to the 11,000 aircraft produced over the past century, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft remain in operation with dozens of military operators and demonstration teams, and above all, its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft, Aero has proven itself to be a reliable partner in the global jet trainer market. In the civil aviation sector, Aero cooperates with the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programmes, where it is responsible not only for the production and assembly of aircraft components but also for their development.

Contact:

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