90 years of the OMNIPOL Group

In the very beginnings, Omnipol was engaged in barter trades, and within the first few years it increased it’s turnover from 1.3 million to a very respectable 241.6 million crowns. Before the Second World War (between 1934 and 1938), OMNIPOL also managed to build a wide network of branches around the world. They were located, for example, in Paris, London, New York and many other countries.

During  World War II, the business activities of OMNIPOL were suspended . After the war OMNIPOL became, a nationalized company, and began to focus exclusively, on the export of aircraft and special materials that were produced in Czechoslovakia. In 1953, Omnipol was granted a monopoly on the export of aircraft. In the following years the company was the only exporter of the legendary aircraft L 410, L-29, L-39, L-13 and L-200. OMNIPOL was known all over the world and, thanks to the supply of quality products, it enjoyed a good name that has remained with it to this day. In addition, Omnipol helped to spread, the excellent reputation of the entire engineering industry of Czechoslovakia.

The L-39 and L 410 aircraft in particular belong inseparably to the company. OMNIPOL was responsible for, the export of almost 3,000 L-39 aircraft. Omnipol not only undertook the export, of the aircraft, but also provided complete after sales support for all of its customers. It is estimated that, there are still more than 700 L39 aircraft  in active service today. Similarly, the L 410 aircraft is also closely associated with the company. More than 1200 aircraft, in various versions have been produced, since 1969,  in the same Czech factory, in the town of Kunovice. Almost all of the L410 aircraft were exported around the world by Omnipol.

The "golden era" of the 1980s, when the production of aircraft, both military and civilian, was in the hundreds per year. The record production year was 1989, when 254 L-39’s and 80 L 410’s were produced. During this very successful period, the father of the current owner, Ing. František Háva, who later became the Director of the entire company. Moreover, during this time, OMNIPOL did not focus only on the aviation industry, it also exported entire investment units around the world. History confirms that, these additional export activities, contributed to the industrial development of Czechoslovakia. For example, in the 1970s and 1980s, Omnipol exported to Iraq, a complete repair shop for artillery equipment, plus a full line for the production of infantry ammunition. OMNIPOL also built similar factories – usually on a larger scale – in Syria and Libya, where hundreds of people from Czechoslovakia also participated in these projects.

Number of L-39 produced in the 1980s:

1980-135

1981-146

1982-160

1983-168

1984-194

1985-205

1986-221

1987-235

1988-252

1989-254

After 1989, the traditional aviation industry began to decline in Czechoslovakia. This continued after 1993, being the date that the Czech Republic was created. Subsequently, it was OMNIPOL that participated in it’s rescue. Through privatization, from the Czech Government in 1996, Richard Háva became the owner of OMNIPOL - the son of the former CEO Ing. František Hava - whose vision, inspired by his father, was to save aircraft production in the Czech Republic. Under Richard Hava’s leadership, OMNIPOL became a 50% owner and the strategic investor in, the L-39NG and L-39CW project in 2015. Richard Hava later bought, Aircraft Industries and joined AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE as a shareholder. This resulted, in him, achieving his ambition to, copy his father in the Czech tradition, namely the production of both military and civil aircraft, the L39NG and the L410NG. 

Moreover, during this current era, OMNIPOL does not focus only on the aviation industry, it also operates in other important sectors. It excels in the development and production of tactical communication systems or unique passive surveillance systems. Omnipol also became the 100% owner of two further iconic Czech companies, namely  ERA and MESIT, which produce these unique technologies, in Pardubice and Moravia, both  in the Czech Republic.

Thus, in the new millennium, OMNIPOL has become a very strong industrial company that, develops, manufactures and exports hi-tech products all over the world. The companies in the current OMNIPOL Group now have approximately 4,000 employees, of which over 500 work in teams dedicated to the development of new technologies.

Key Points in Omnipol’s history

1934 – Founding of the OMNIPOL trading company.

1938 – OMNIPOL was engaged in barter trades, it had branches all over the world.

1939-1945 – World WarII Interruption of business activity.

1946 – OMNIPOL resumes it’s activities, focusing on trade in aviation and defense equipment.

1953 – OMNIPOL becomes the exclusive exporter of aviation and defense technology.

1980-1989 – The "Golden Era" of the company. OMNIPOL exports hundreds of aircraft annually.

1990 – Decline of the aviation industry in Czechoslovakia, which also affects the business activities of OMNIPOL.

1996  – A new era begins. Under the leadership of the new owner Richard Háva, OMNIPOL is gradually turning into a strong industrial group that is rescuing key companies in the aviation and defense industry.

2011 – Acquisition of Czech company ERA.

2015 – OMNIPOL as a partner and co-investor of the L-39NG project from the AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE workshop.

2018 – Acquisition of Czech company MESIT holding.

2021 – OMNIPOL acquires a stake in AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE.

2022 – OMNIPOL becomes the owner of Czech company Aircraft Industries.