Aero strengthens its partnership with Airbus: Czech know-how takes flight on the wings of modern A220s

The partnership between the Czech brand Aero and Airbus is moving to a new level. This year, Aero completed its milestone 600th set of wing leading edges for the Airbus A220, obtained new technical certifications for repairing composite parts for this aircraft, and simultaneously advanced to Tier I status within the supplier structure. These steps reaffirm the long-term partnership with Airbus and open up further opportunities for collaboration.

Aero has been part of the A220 programme since 2013, when production of the first leading edges began in Vodochody. Recently, the milestone 600th set of leading edges left Aero, meaning that more than 600 A220 aircraft now bear the hallmark of the Vodochody plant.

However, there is more to each of them than just manufacturing. Aero participated in the programme using the Design-to-Build method, which means that in addition to manufacturing, it also provided Czech know-how and contributed to the design work. Over the past thirteen years, the company has also succeeded in significantly increasing production efficiency and substantially reducing the number of standard hours required to produce a single shipset. This progress is the result of long-term optimisation of production processes, accumulated experience, and the growing efficiency of the entire programme.

"Our partnership with Airbus is extremely important to Aero. Over more than a decade, we have moved together from our first deliveries to a direct partnership that allows us to discuss future projects and new opportunities. The milestone 600th set is primarily the result of the work of hundreds of our colleagues who have contributed to the programme over the years," says Viktor Sotona, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aero.

Aero has obtained new qualifications for composite repairs

Another significant step is the acquisition of technical qualifications for repairing composite parts for the Airbus A220 programme. The first group of specialists from Aero recently completed training led by Airbus experts directly at their factory in Belfast, which combined theoretical instruction with hands-on training and a final exam in accordance with Airbus requirements. A second group of technicians will undergo this training in the coming weeks.

Thanks to this certification, Aero can, in many cases, address damage and perform selected repairs directly in Vodochody, without having to refer them to Airbus in Belfast.

For Aero, this means shorter response times, simpler logistics, and greater production flexibility. At the same time, it confirms the expertise of Czech specialists in one of the most technically demanding areas of aircraft manufacturing.

"Composites require strict adherence to approved procedures and the ability to guarantee the outcome of a repair. The certification we've earned is therefore not only a practical benefit for production but also an important demonstration of Airbus's confidence in the professional capabilities of our people," adds Matěj Zázvorka, manager of the composites department at Aero.

Advancement to Tier I supplier

Another significant milestone for Aero is the change in its position within the Airbus supply chain. Following Airbus's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, Aero has become a Tier I supplier, and thus a direct supplier to Airbus.

This new status provides Aero with closer ties to Airbus and facilitates further collaboration. It also includes access to the Airbus procurement system, which allows Aero to more efficiently manage the procurement of metal and other raw materials and leverage the supply chain of one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial aircraft.

Tier I status also creates better conditions for further cooperation and Aero's potential involvement in other Airbus programmes and future contracts.

The next time you fly on vacation, take a look out the window

The Airbus A220 is one of the most modern narrow-body passenger aircraft in operation today. Its wing is largely made of composite materials, and its lightweight construction, combined with advanced aerodynamics, contributes to lower fuel consumption. The aircraft was originally developed in Canada as the Bombardier CSeries and, after Airbus joined the programme in 2018, was given its current designation, the A220.

And it is precisely on its wings that you can find a piece of Czech craftsmanship.

So the next time you fly off on vacation and are lucky enough to be on a modern Airbus A220, take a look out the window at the wing. It's very likely that its leading edge was manufactured right here at Aero in Vodochody.