The largest Czech aviation manufacturer AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE (Aero) and the leading US flight training solutions provider Patriots Global Training (PGT) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding Aero’s service offerings and the introduction of the brand new L-39NG to the US market. The official announcement of the cooperation was made during the Farnborough International Air Show. With this initiative, both companies jointly announce the beginning of a long-term cooperation with the focus on increasing flight training services and producing the L-39NG in the United States.
“Great experiences and positive feedback from customers are always the best reference for any producer around the world. We are pleased that the Patriots Jet Team is very satisfied with their current L-39 aircrafts and we are looking forward to expanding our cooperation in the near future. Through this collaboration with the Patriots, we have a unique opportunity to establish the presence of Aero on the US market,” said Viktor Sotona, CEO and President of Aero, during the ceremony at the Farnborough International Air Show.
The L-39NG offers an incredible flight training solution and we are excited to expand our relationship with Aero Vodochody. Today solidifies and expands our ability to provide cost-effective, advanced pilot training in the United States to our current and future customers of the US and our Partner Nations,” said David Patrick, CEO of Patriots Global Training.
In addition, part of the scope of the agreement includes ongoing support related to L-39 aircraft mainly in areas of aircraft manufacturing, components, logistics, aircraft testing and support for training facilities. The joint effort is to establish a new regional maintenance and upgrade hub for L-39s in the United States, as well as establishing licence production of the L-39NG aircraft for the needs of the United States Government. Together, Aero and PGT envision a significant potential to expand training services to PGT customers or various logistic and operational support of the brand-new L-39NG aircraft. PGT which is based at Byron Airport in California, operates eight L-39 aircrafts and provides a full spectrum of military fast-jet and multi-engine pilot training.
Patriots Global Training delivers on-demand, tailor-made military flight training and manufacturing of flight training solutions. Based in Byron, California, Patriots Global Training combines a proven, cost-effective fleet of aircraft with leading edge commercial off the shelf technologies and highly experienced former US and NATO military instructors to deliver unprecedented access to pilot training for the Air Forces of the world. Building on our experience in international engagements, Patriots Global Training has a Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) or US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) solution to meet the needs of customers worldwide.
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the design, manufacture, maintenance, overhaul and upgrade of military and civil aircraft. It is the largest aviation manufacturer in the Czech Republic and with history dating back to 1919, Aero is one of the oldest aerospace companies in the world. In the field of military aircraft, Aero has been a reliable long-term partner to many of the world’s air forces and continues to maintain a strong position on the market of military training and light combat aircraft. With a track record of 11,000 aircraft produced over the last 100 years, a broad coverage of dozens of military operators and demo teams, a significant existing fleet of L-39 Albatrosses and with a brand new aircraft, the L-39NG, Aero is maintaining its positioning as a leader in the jet training market.