Aerospace Industry

Why Invest in the Czech Republic

The Czech aerospace industry is based on tradition, continuity and a culture enabling the passing down and broadening of experience from generation to generation. In comparison with other countries, the Czech Republic progressively advanced from lower categories of aerospace production to more sophisticated products such as commercial aircraft and military jets over more than
90 years. Our aerospace heritage has brought us extensive knowledge derived from the results of numerous aircraft tests. This has contributed to building a strong aerospace culture in which generations of designers have been able to acquire and developed advanced technical skills.

The tradition of aerospace manufacturing in the Czech Republic dates back nearly to the origins of flight itself. In the 1930s, the number of aviation firms and people employed by them in the former Czechoslovakia reached the level of that found in the most advanced countries of that time, such as Germany, France, Great Britain and the United States. Later, in the 1950s and ’60s, Russia’s influence spurred the implementation of new aviation projects and motivated Czech aviation firms to establish their own development projects.

Today’s aerospace industry in the Czech Republic is largely based on sharing knowledge and experience with foreign partners and the country’s aviation specialists are eager to take part in the development of passenger aircraft and to contribute to the success of the industry not only in the Czech Republic but on a global scale by bringing the best of their past and present into the future.

Facts

• 32 000 aircraft delivered
• 37 000 engines delivered
• 11 000 aircraft equipped with hydraulic and fuel systems
• 800 different avionics designed
• 130 companies
• 4 technical universities
• 10 secondary professional schools
• 3 aerospace research centres and test institutes
• 5 MRO providers
• 10 000 employees

How Can We Help You

• system of quality derived from the culture created by generations of aviation specialists.
• renewal of production in aircraft factories and improvement of their infrastructure. 
• people working in aviation function as a society dedicated to a common purpose.
• new aviation applications developed at Czech technical universities.

R&D in the Aerospace Industry

Czech people have long had a specific relation to aircraft production. Under the former socialist regime, import activities were restricted, but there was no lack of aircraft components thanks to the skills of local people in the field of aerospace research. In the 1990s, some designers and technicians left large aerospace companies to set up their own aviation businesses and produce very clean aircraft designs mostly for the American market. These companies represent the future of Czech aircraft development and partners that take advantage of the skills of their employees will substantially expand their capabilities in the area of aircraft design. Dozens of such firms are able to assign their experienced designers to work on the development of new aircraft components and, with support from technical universities that provide a theoretical base in the area of lightweight materials, they are also able to bring forth new concepts for the future design of civil aircraft. Special technological processes and advanced machining centres in mechanical-engineering firms meet the most demanding requirements for precision and can thus satisfy the needs of a broad range of customers in the aerospace industry.

Research at the Czech Technical University in Prague is linked to the United States Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defence and involves projects focused on, for example, multi-agent system technology supporting the free flight concept.

Brno University of Technology (VUT) offers a unique approach in aerospace education, as students are allowed to experience the real world of aircraft design and work on the development of new aircraft with the assistance of aviation experts. This process is supported by various departments in the fields of flight dynamics, controls, advanced avionics, sensors, safety systems and IT solutions. In 2009, an maiden flight of a new reconnaissance aircraft called VUT Marabu designed by the Department of Aerospace Engineering was successfully carried out.

Exceptional research teams work at Czech companies on high-value-added projects such as new efficient jet and turboprop engines (PBS), FADEC units and APU (UNIS), new adjustable pitch propellers (AVIA Propellers), aero-composites (5M) and structural health monitoring units (TL Electronic).

The Czech Republic’s Aeronautical Research and Testing Institute (VZLU), established in 1922, is one of the oldest such facilities in Europe. This centre of industrial research can provide you with expertise in various fields of flight mechanics, aircraft structures, CFM, FEM, ground and flight tests, etc.

Case Study

The Czech Republic’s capabilities are valued by Honeywell Aerospace, which is expanding its Global Design Centre and aircraft-engine production facilities in the Czech Republic. Moreover, GE Aviation successfully acquired Walter Aero Engine, a Czech aircraft-engine manufacturer, in 2007 in order to incorporate local knowledge of engine production (especially turboprops) into their business. The joint brand GE Aviation-Walter stands firmly on design skills developed through the production of more than 37,000 aircraft engines such as the Walter M602 (1360 kW, three shafts, two stages), which an optional power plant for the Czech L610 commuter aircraft. Additionally, the Walter M601 turboprop engine family has accumulated a total of more than 16 million hours since 1975 and 4,500 units have proven their reliability with 150 operators in 50 countries. The next modification of M601 was unveiled in 2008 and designated as the M601H-80 using advanced materials and 3-D aerodynamic design tools. Significant improvements in fuel efficiency and better flying characteristics have led to the growing popularity of this engine.

Through its prime contractor Latecoere, Airbus SAS has launched several projects with the Czech company Letov, which became a part of Latecoere Group in 2002 and is responsible for production and assembly of passenger doors for civil aircraft. Another highlight from 2008 was the 250th Sikorsky S76C helicopter completed (excluding dynamic parts) and shipped from Aero Vodochody to the Sikorsky UTC production facility. Several significant players have chosen the Czech Republic as a place for developing their business. However, this fact has only a minor impact on the availability of aerospace resources. The innovation potential and availability of local suppliers are not yet being fully utilised and major aerospace facilities, especially outside Prague, are ready to support aircraft and engine suppliers in various segments.

Honeywell Aerospace

Honeywell’s success in acquisition of Mora Aerospace step by step:

• 1825: Mora founded as an iron works with blast furnace.
• 1854: The plant becomes a part of Vitkovice Iron Works.
• 1861-1902: Production of locksmith wares and stoves (1 million units produced).
• 1961: Aerospace division established (rocket components).
• 2002: Aerospace division becomes a part of Honeywell Aerospace.
• 2004: 880 employees, production of combustion chambers.

Thanks to Honeywell Aerospace and the country’s high-quality infrastructure and resources, other aerospace companies located in the Czech Republic have enjoyed fast and significant growth.

 "Opening of Honeywell's Global Aviation Centre for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in Prague is a major milestone, marking an expanded commitment to the Czech Republic and our EMEA customers. Prague was selected for its long-term affordability, growing industrial base and infrastructure, access to critical technical skills, and close proximity to Honeywell's EMEA business."

• Jaroslav Dolezal, National Executive for the Czech Republic, Honeywell, Prague

Top Projects

For more information, please visit aerospace.czechinvest.org. If you are interested to find out more about opportunities to invest in the aerospace industry in the Czech Republic, do not hesitate to contact us at petr.netek@czechinvest.org. You can also contact CzechInvest's foreign offices. Our team will do its best to make you feel at home in the Czech Republic.