The Czech Armed Forces operate two Airbus A319CJ aircraft with registration numbers 2801 and 3085, both in service since 2007.[1] They are used to transport government delegations. The Czech Air Force website pointed out that the problem is not so much the age of the aircraft as their small number, because when one aircraft is out of service, a fault on the other can significantly limit the state's ability to provide long-distance transport.[1] In 2023, both aircraft were together listed as unfit for operation for 110 days because of planned and unplanned maintenance.[1] Considerations of acquiring a third aircraft of the A319 or A320 category did not materialise.[1]
Instead of replacing the aircraft, the Ministry of Defence is investing in their continued operation. The company JOB AIR Technic won a contract worth 970.8 million crowns excluding VAT for the modernisation of the interiors and avionics of both aircraft, with the work to be completed no later than October 2027.[1] In October 2026, one of the two aircraft broke down during a trip by Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik and a Czech business delegation in Azerbaijan, and according to Radek Špicar, vice-president of the Confederation of Industry and Transport, the delegation could not continue as planned to Kyrgyzstan.[1]
Chronology
- — During a working trip to Azerbaijan by Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik, one of the government Airbus A319CJ aircraft broke down on 13 October 2026, and the Czech delegation is to continue to Kyrgyzstan on a commercial flight. → Zdopravy.cz iROZHLAS
Sources
- Zdopravy.cz — 13 October 2026