Letov is the oldest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic. Company was founded in 1918 by the Czechoslovak Defense Ministry to repair the aircraft of the Czechoslovak Air Force obtained after the WW I.

Letov Š1

In 1921 Letov produced the first Czech designed aircraft Letov Š1, designed by Alois Šmolík.

During 20th and 30th Letov designed and produced over 50 types of aircraft of all categories. During WW II the company was occupied by German Army and served as a repair shop for the aircraft of the German Luftwaffe.

MiG-15

On the beginning of 50th Letov started the license production of the wing and empennage of the Soviet jet fighter MiG-15. The final assembly was made at the new founded company Aero Vodochody. After MiG-15 the production of wings and empennages for MiG-19 and MiG-21 followed.

L-29 Delfín

In 60th Letov started together with Aero Vodochody the development and production of wings and empennages for the new Czech jet trainer L-29 Delfin. Over 4000 aircraft of this type were built and Delfin is the most spread aircraft in his category. Delfins serves until today in many air forces of the world (Russia, Malaysia, Egypt etc.)

L-39

The successor of Delfin was in 70th the L-39 Albatros. The wing and empennage were again developed and built at Letov. Over 2500 aircraft were produced until now.

A321

After political changes in the Czechoslovakia and the former eastern block Letov started successful collaboration with the German aerospace industry and since 1991 Letov has been delivering parts and subassemblies for the Airbus aircraft.

During 1997 substantial restructuring of the Letov company was performed. From the former Aircraft Product Division the daughter company LETOV LETECKÁ VÝROBA, a.s, was established. The new company was responsible for the production of parts and subassemblies for airliners and for the new Czech combat aircraft L-159 ALCA.

Since June 1, 2000 the company became the 100% subsidiary company of Latecoere, France.

In years 2000-2006 the company invested significant amount of money into new technology and increase of capacity. The most important investments were: building of 3 new halls, purchasing of CNC machines and construction of the new surface treatment line.

In the same period of time the number of employees increased from 200 to over 500 people.