CzechInvest at full strenght at the world´s oldest air show

16 Jun. 2009 | CzechInvest | Representatives of Czech and French producers of aerospace technology have met at this year’s International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, for which the aviation industry is a traditional sector. The meeting took place in the pavilion of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS).

At the air show, which runs from 15 June to 21 June, the Czech Republic is presenting everything that it can offer foreign investors in the field of aerospace. “This includes, for example, the country’s skilled workforce and abundant suppliers, as well as lower operating costs while preserving the same quality of production or research and development, and the possibility to expand the given investor’s distribution network to Central and Eastern Europe, thanks to our advantageous location,” says Alexandra Rudyšarová, CEO of CzechInvest.

The meeting of French and Czech producers of aerospace technology has long been anticipated. The aerospace industry has a long tradition in both the Czech Republic and in France. “The French are able to manufacture all categories of aircraft, from small commercial and sport planes to large-capacity military and civilian transports, such as those made by Airbus,” says Petr Nétek, aerospace specialist at CzechInvest. “The Czech Republic is building on its long tradition in the sector and can offer the extensive experience of local firms and a highly skill workforce.”

These advantages are already being exploited by Latecoere, a French aircraft-components manufacturer, which in the Czech Republic produces door mechanisms under the Letov brand for Airbus. Companies from other countries also cooperate closely with Czech specialists. The Czech Technical University in Prague is involved in projects led by the United States Federal Aviation Administration and NASA. Czech firms are taking part in research and development in the aerospace field at the European level, thanks to which the Czech Republic is the only country in the CEE region to be a member of the European Space Agency.

Czech companies presenting themselves at the International Paris Air Show within a joint Czech pavilion include manufacturers focused on, for example, production of aircraft-engine and hydraulic components, precision machining and development and production of sophisticated onboard systems. They are joined by representatives of CzechInvest and CzechTrade, who will be present for the duration of the air show.