CCAI and Aero Vodochody seek machine works

19 Dec. 2011 | CzechInvest | CzechInvest is assisting them in their search.

Czech mechanical-engineering firms could take part in the production of components for helicopters as well passenger and cargo aircraft. With respect to the insufficient production capacities of the Czech aviation industry, which is not able to meet the demand arising from current and future projects, the Confederation of the Czech Aviation Industry (CCAI) – in cooperation with Aero Vodochody and CzechInvest – has initiated visits to thirteen mechanical-engineering firms, which could not only participate in the production of components, but could also significantly contribute to enhancing the development and production of preparations for manufacturing itself.

The objective of the initiative is to expand the supply chain of aviation manufacturers in the Czech Republic so that it will not be necessary to outsource production abroad. CzechInvest is currently presenting to individual companies the possibilities of financial aid from European funds, which could facilitate the necessary modernisation of these firms.

“Aero Vodochody has orders from foreign firms and know-how, but its own production capacities are insufficient to meet its needs. For Czech mechanical-engineering firms, this represents an opportunity to get involved in projects which have high value added and innovation potential,” says Miroslav Křížek, CEO of CzechInvest, adding: “However, they must fulfil the requirements and conditions of the aviation industry. The can receive financial support for modernization from the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovation, for example.”

“A reliable, high-quality supply chain is the basic prerequisite for successful realisation of orders and for getting new ones. New orders with the most significant OEM manufacturers will make it possible to build up the supply chain in the Czech Republic and even guarantee production volumes for several years. Some projects are currently in the development phase and demand for production capacities will continue to grow after their completion,” says Ladislav Šimek, president of the CCAI.

CzechInvest is assisting the CCAI with identification of potential suppliers, especially in the areas of manufacturing preparations, precision machining of aircraft components and surface inspection of parts. In addition to providing consulting in the area of utilising European aid, CzechInvest wants to also initiate the creation of a special aid fund to support the certification of firms, purchase of modern tools, instruments and software, and technological development.

“Expansion of the machinery and software capacities of mechanical-engineering firms through state aid programmes is a necessary prerequisite for technology transfer from global aviation manufacturers. Increasing the number of certified aviation suppliers in the Czech Republic will attract more investors,” explains Radek Šoltys, head of the Investment Division at CzechInvest.

Aviation is one of the priority sectors of CzechInvest, which recently became an extraordinary member of the Confederation of the Czech Aviation Industry. By combining their strengths, these organisations will now promote the Czech aviation sector abroad while also focusing on education in this field.