The aircraft manufacturer Aircraft Industries boosted its revenue last year and returned to profit.
The aircraft manufacturer Aircraft Industries from Kunovice in the Uherské Hradiště region earned approximately CZK 2.154 billion from the sale of products, services, and goods last year. This represents an increase of about CZK 420.3 million year-on-year. While in 2022 the company ended up with a loss of CZK 225.5 million due to Russian sanctions, and in the previous year recorded a loss of CZK 106.9 million, last year it reported a profit of CZK 14.8 million. This information was obtained by ČTK from the company’s annual report filed in the Collection of Deeds.
Growth and New Markets
In spring 2022, the Omnipol Group acquired Aircraft Industries from its then Russian owner, the company Ostov. The sole shareholder of the Kunovice firm is the joint-stock company LET Kunovice. The company is now focusing primarily on markets in Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Alongside the L 410 UVP-E20 aircraft, it also produces the modernized L 410 NG — a new-generation version. Both aircraft can carry up to 19 passengers.
According to CEO Pavel Polehňa, 2024 was a year of intensive development and strengthening of the company’s position in the global market for transport aircraft. “We continued the positive trend of the previous period and successfully delivered aircraft to several countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. The L 410 aircraft thus entered new markets once again, further strengthening our global presence,” Polehňa stated in the annual report.
Production, Maintenance, and Research
In addition to civilian versions, Aircraft Industries also manufactures cargo, medical, parachute, and surveillance versions of its aircraft. Last year, the company delivered aircraft to Senegal and Chile, and this year it announced deliveries to Kazakhstan and Thailand. “The company expects further production growth in the coming period, driven by rising demand. Strengthening business relationships and entering new markets are opening up opportunities for strategic growth,” the CEO added.
Alongside aircraft production, the company also provides maintenance services and operates the Kunovice International Airport. The company’s net assets exceeded CZK 3.194 billion at the end of last year. Its equity amounted to CZK 992.5 million, while liabilities reached over CZK 1.525 billion. The company allocated approximately CZK 36.2 million to research and development last year, compared to about CZK 37.5 million the year before. Aircraft Industries employed an average of 874 people last year, four fewer than the previous year.
Aircraft Industries is the largest Czech manufacturer of civil aviation technology, continuing more than eighty years of aircraft production tradition in Kunovice. The company’s main product is the twin-engine turboprop L 410 series, of which more than 1,200 units have been produced and delivered worldwide. They are currently in operation in more than 60 countries.
Source: ČTK
