Vodochody, June 18, 2026 AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. (AERO) has signed two new contracts for the delivery of L-39 Skyfox aircraft to customers in Angola and North America. The orders represent an important milestone in the expansion of the Skyfox program to the African and North American continents. Over the past few months, AERO has secured new orders for nine Skyfox aircraft. At the same time, the company is completing production of four additional aircraft for another customer.
With the signing of the new contracts, the L-39 Skyfox is entering two additional continents. Alongside Europe and Asia, the aircraft will now also operate in Africa and North America. Both orders are active, the aircraft are already in production and will be delivered according to the agreed schedules. The new contracts also mean that AERO’s production capacity is filled until the second quarter of 2027.
“The entry of the Skyfox into the African and North American markets is extremely important for AERO, as it significantly increases the aircraft’s visibility, enables its direct presentation to other customers and opens the way to future business opportunities,” says Viktor Sotona, President and Chairman of the Board of AERO. “The new contracts confirm that the Skyfox programme has global potential and that AERO is on the right track,” he adds.
First Skyfox Program Customer in Africa
In Angola, AERO has signed a contract for the delivery of up to four L-39 Skyfox aircraft. The delivery will also include related products and services to support the introduction of the aircraft into operation and the development of the training system for the Angolan Air Force.
Angola is therefore becoming the first African customer of the L-39 Skyfox program. The customer’s original requirement focused on the overhaul of older L-39 Albatros aircraft. However, after evaluating operational, economic and capability parameters, the customer decided to acquire new Skyfox aircraft, which offer significantly higher performance, modern avionics, more efficient operation and a long-term perspective for further training development.
“We are very pleased to have confirmed our first customer from the African continent. The Skyfox aircraft for the Angolan Air Force will also become the first aircraft of this type to operate in demanding conditions in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Viktor Sotona, adding: “We all believe this is only the first step and that an even greater number of Skyfox aircraft will soon be seen in African skies.”
Skyfox Enters the American Market
AERO has signed the second contract with a customer from North America. The cooperation will also include commercial representation of the L-39 Skyfox brand. The customer comes from the civil sector and has long-standing experience with a fleet of L-39 Albatros aircraft. At the same time, preparations are under way for the completion and delivery of the first Skyfox aircraft that will fly in North America.
“The agreement with our new partner is important for AERO on two levels. Not only will it bring the first Skyfox aircraft to another continent, but it will also make it possible to actively offer and present this platform to other potential users and customers in the region,” adds Sotona. “Direct customer experience and on-site aircraft presentation are the best sales tools.”
Orders Confirm the Growth of the Skyfox Program
The new contracts follow AERO’s recently announced record financial results for 2025 and confirm growing customer confidence in the L-39 Skyfox program. Over the past few months, AERO has secured orders for nine new aircraft, two of which are subject to options, as well as orders for the overhaul of several older L-39 Albatros aircraft, with a total value exceeding EUR 200 million. These orders cover customers on three continents: Africa, America and Asia. At the same time, production is being completed on four additional aircraft for another customer, who ordered the new aircraft earlier but does not wish to comment further on the contract.
Thanks to the new orders in Africa and America, AERO is further strengthening its global position and confirming that the L-39 Skyfox is becoming one of the key export programs of the Czech aerospace industry.
The L-39 Skyfox is a modern multipurpose aircraft capable of covering a wide range of missions, from pilot training to tactical and reconnaissance operations. It represents the most efficient aircraft in its class, available in both Western and Eastern configurations and certified under EU and NATO regulations. This versatile technological platform integrates modern simulation technologies and ground training systems. The Czech-made L-39 Skyfox offers an innovative combination of modern avionics, a powerful jet engine, and excellent flight characteristics, making it a suitable choice for all phases of 4th and 5th generation fighter pilot training, as well as reconnaissance and tactical missions such as cooperation with various ground forces
AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and modernization 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 a number of military air forces and holds a strong position in the market for military trainer and light attack aircraft.
With 11,000 aircraft produced over its 100-year history, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in service with dozens of military operators as well as several demonstration teams, and especially thanks to its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft, Aero is positioning itself as a leader in the global market for jet trainer aircraft.
In civil aviation, Aero cooperates with the world’s largest 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 aerostructures, but also for their development.
