AERO Vodochody (Aero), the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, has delivered the 300th gun bay door to the Boeing Company for the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Aero's work on the project, covering detail part fabrication, surface treatment and final door assembly ready for installation on the aircraft, began in 2001.

"The F/A-18 Gun Bay Door project represents one of our well-established aerostructures programs, which make up a key part of our strategy," said Igor Hulak, President of Aero. "Aero aims to become a strong aerospace holding focused on participating on interesting aerostructures projects on front levels of the supplier's chain. Through organic growth, meaning large investments into the machinery and advanced technologies in the Czech Republic, as well as through acquisition growth, focused mainly on Central and Eastern Europe, we continuously upgrade our services provided to our customers, including Boeing. Negotiations continue with our current customers on extension of our cooperation, as well as potential customers on new orders."

"Boeing has delivered more than 360 Super Hornets to our customers, and we have delivered every one of these strike fighters on schedule and on budget," said Henryka Bochniarz, President of Boeing Central and Eastern Europe, at a ceremony held at Aero's manufacturing facility. "That is an achievement we could not have made without the shared commitment to first-time quality and on-time delivery by our industry partners and suppliers, including AERO Vodochody."