The assembly of the first L-39NG aircraft in Aero Vodochody continues in accordance to the production schedule. All sections of a fuselage have been integrated to form the final assembly structure called a cigar. This step means another important milestone of the assembly of the first L-39NG.

The airframe is now 70% complete and the new jet trainer with a fuselage number 7001 is heading to the roll-out planned for October this year. "By reaching this milestone, the L-39NG is getting its final shape, and very soon, we will be able to show the new jet trainer aircraft. The L-39NG is a new start for Aero Vodochody returning us back to the world class of proprietary aircraft manufacturers," said Giuseppe Giordo, President & CEO of Aero Vodochody.

The whole fuselage consists of 3,365 parts. Only 10% of the fuselage parts are taken from its predecessor, the L-39 Albatros, 90% are brand new. After the final assembly of the fuselage, the L-39NG project is heading towards another significant milestone, integration of the fuselage and a wing, called a marry-up. This will happen in September together with incorporation of the key systems.

By making this promising progress in the assembly of the first L-39NG aircraft, Aero is sending a strong message to the market, not only about the product's capabilities, but also about overall maturity of the project. This is attracting a lot of attention of potential customers. At Farnborough Air Show, Aero announced two agreements with two new international customers for the L-39NG and L-39CW – European provider of military aviation services SkyTech and American private company RSW Aviation for a total of 34 aircraft. In addition to the recently signed contract with Senegal, Aero has now a backlog of 38 aircraft to be produced in the next 4-5 years up to 2022.

The progress in assembly of the first new generation trainer is also welcomed by a strategic partner of L-39NG project, the Czech company Omnipol. "I am glad that Omnipol joined the L-39NG project as a strategic partner. Upcoming roll-out will be a closure of an important phase of the aircraft development, and at the same time, a big shift into the next one. From our point of view, this project invigorates Czech aviation industry and represents a great promise for the future," said the president of Omnipol, Jiri Podpera.

The L-39NG aircraft is a modern and effective trainer designed as a unified, comprehensive training system for modern air forces. The L-39NG is based on the aerodynamic concept of the current L-39, but utilizes the latest technologies and equipment. Power is provided by the modern FJ44-4M engine supplied with the TAP Blue engine support service to ensure unprecedented airworthiness and predictable maintenance costs. The aircraft's avionics are prepared to train future pilots of 4th and 5th generation aircraft and can be tailored to the customer's requirements. The L-39NG is equipped with five hard-points for weapons. The aircraft also features a broad range of simulation technologies, including the integration into high-tech tactical simulation centres with the goal to increase training efficiency. Strategic partner of the L-39NG project is Czech company Omnipol.