Innovation and development of air transport in Slovakia

Slovakia's aerospace sector, as a part of the aerospace and defence (A&D) sector, must be seen in context of both Europe and the entire world. This sector always includes both civil and defence/military elements. On the civil side this sector and its market is cyclical depending on the acquisition plans of airlines, which fluctuate considerably, especially in a period of uncertain economic expectations and global security concerns. On the defence side, demand depends on the defence budgets and procurement policies of governments, which in turn depend on geopolitical developments and the changing perception of threats.[3]

The main trends and the position of the sector should be understood in the context of the following aspects.[3]

Disunity in aviation legislation and the competition within the category of ultralight aircrafts („ULA“) production in surrounding states causes producers of aviation technology significant problems. The advantage is high individual strongmindedness of such producers to conquer the difficulties. That is why they have been looking for opportunities on such aviation market where they are currently able to find the customer base for their products also in abroad.

Aviation production potential of Slovakia used to have a long tradition during the epoch of the Czecho-Slovak Republic despite the fact it found its way in the production of aircraft components and supportive logistics. In the domain of aviation, Slovakia used to be respected industrial country with advanced development base. For example, development and production of aircraft engines in Považská Bystrica used to be one of the top ones in the world. In present, after having separated the industry of the former republic and because of the impact of the world-wide economical depression the possibilities of demand in aviation have been limited. In the last decade, many companies have been trying to restructure their production because while operating as assistance producers in favour of foreign aviation producers their share was insignificant.

In European aviation industry, Slovakia acts as a country making use of foreign support. Many Slovak aviation companies have been looking for investors that could be offered their advantages and professional man-power despite the competitive environment of surrounding states. Aviation industry is dependant on acquisition plans of aviation companies of which many have terminated (for example Sky Europe, Slovair) because of economic reasons. Reduction in aviation has recently been evident also in the army corps that consequently causes the increase in number of pilots and aviation professionals on the labour market.

Presently, aviation transport in Slovakia has found its way in acquirement of low cost air transporters with full operating support. Slovak aviation production specializes in the production of reliable smaller engine and motor less aircrafts (ULA aircrafts and sport aircrafts) and their components. Produced aircrafts are equipped by modern avionics and their production is on high-quality technological level.