Utva
Utva Avio Industrija designs, manufactures, and certifies light civil and military training aircraft — notably the SOVA four-seater and LASTA military trainer — from its Pančevo, Serbia facility, serving air forces, aero clubs, and international aerospace subcontractors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1937
- HeadquartersPancevo
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Utva firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Utva
- Legal name
- UTVA AVIO D.O.O.
- Website
- https://utva-avio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1937
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Utva Avio Industrija designs, manufactures, and certifies light civil and military training aircraft — notably the SOVA four-seater and LASTA military trainer — from its Pančevo, Serbia facility, serving air forces, aero clubs, and international aerospace subcontractors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Utva industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)
- SIC
- Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Aircraft Structures, Airframes & Composites (IMABAMAH)
Keywords
Where Utva is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pancevo
Offices1 record
Markets served
Utva business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Aircraft Manufacturing and Sales: Design, development, and production of complete aircraft including SOVA (four-seat general aviation) and LASTA (military trainer). Revenue from direct aircraft sales to military and civil customers. The company has delivered 20 LASTA 95N aircraft to Iraqi Air Force (2009-2011) and 15 to Serbian Air Force (2012).
- Pilot Training Services: Utva is certified by the Serbian Directorate of Civil Aviation as a DTO (Declared Training Organization) flight school, providing practical and theoretical flight training using company aircraft.
- Aircraft Development and Certification Services: Complete aircraft design and certification services including conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases. Services include STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) supplements, aircraft modifications, repairs, and airworthiness certification support.
- Flight Testing Services: Ground and flight testing services for aircraft and aircraft systems, including validation of repairs, modifications, and new type certificates. Testing covers stability, performance, flutter, spin, and systems testing.
- Aircraft Maintenance and Technical Publications: Technical documentation services (AMM, AFM, ICA, SRM, SME, IPC), spare parts, and ongoing technical support for aircraft in service.
- Defense Industry Subcontracting: Production of aircraft parts and assemblies for international defense contractors including J-22 Orao (with Romania), Super Galeb G-4, and helicopter components for various programs.
- International Subcontract Manufacturing: Production of aircraft parts and tools for Boeing (737, 747, 757), Airbus (A340), Piaggio Aerospace (P180), Ilyushin (Il-114), Tupolev (Tu-204), and Ariane 5 space program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | SOVA Aircraft - Custom orders |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Utva product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Utva designs, manufactures, and services training and light aircraft for civil and military markets. Its two flagship products are the SOVA (UTVA-75A41M), a four-seat single-engine low-wing general aviation airplane, and the LASTA (Lasta 95N), a full-aerobatic piston-engine military trainer with tandem seating and wing hardpoints. Beyond airframes, Utva sells aircraft development and certification, flight testing, pilot training (DTO), and subcontract aerospace manufacturing services.
Product overview
UTVA Avio Industrija is an aircraft manufacturing company founded in 1937, dedicated to designing, developing, and producing general aviation aircraft. The company produces two main aircraft models: the SOVA (a four-seat side-by-side training and utility aircraft) and the LASTA (a tandem-seat military aerobatic trainer). Beyond aircraft manufacturing, UTVA offers complementary services including aircraft development and certification, flight testing, pilot training, technical publications, and design services for modifications, alterations, and repairs. The company operates under EASA certification standards and serves both civil and military aviation markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SOVA (UTVA-75A41M) Single-engine, low-wing, four-seat general aviation aircraft with completely metallic semi-monocoque airframe, fixed landing gear, integrated dual Garmin G500 glass cockpit, leather seats, air conditioning. Designed and certified under EASA CS-23 in Normal and Utility categories. Use cases include initial pilot training, aerial photography, aero-taxi services, sports flying, tourism, and optionally reconnaissance and light weapons training. MTOW 1,200 kg; powered by Lycoming IO-390-A3A6 (210 hp).
- LASTA (Lasta 95N) Modern piston-engine driven, fully aerobatic military trainer aircraft with tandem seating arrangement, two wing hardpoints, rugged retractable landing gear, and redundant military glass cockpit. Powered by Lycoming AEIO-540. Intended for elementary and basic flight training, weapons training (CAS/COIN), and air patrol. Bubble canopy provides hemispherical visibility. Maximum speed 320 km/h at sea level; maximum rate of climb 8.5 m/s. Replaces two or three training aircraft during a training course.
- Aircraft Development and Certification Services Complete aircraft design and certification services based on EASA, FAR, and BCAR standards, including conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases; Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) supplements; aircraft modifications and repairs; and airworthiness certification support. For aircraft manufacturers and operators needing to certify or modify airframes.
- Flight Testing Services Ground and flight testing services for aircraft and aircraft systems, including validation of repairs, modifications, and new type certificates. Testing covers stability, performance, flutter, spin, and systems testing, using proprietary test equipment such as alpha-beta probes with pitot tubes, anti-spin parachute systems, vibration introduction systems for flutter testing, and angle-of-attack / yaw angle measurement probes. For OEMs and modifiers needing airworthiness verification.
- Pilot Training (Declared Training Organization) Practical and theoretical flight training delivered under Utva's certification as a Declared Training Organization (DTO) by the Serbian Directorate of Civil Aviation, using SOVA and LASTA aircraft. Contact: [email protected]. For student pilots, civilian trainees, and aspiring military aviators.
- Aircraft Maintenance Support and Technical Publications Technical documentation services (AMM, AFM, ICA, SRM, SME, IPC), spare parts supply, and ongoing technical support for Utva aircraft in service. For operators of SOVA and LASTA fleets needing continuing airworthiness support.
- International Aerospace Subcontract Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of aircraft parts, tools, and assemblies — including CNC machined parts, sheet metal fabrications, composites (glass fiber), tooling, and assembly-line production — supplied to Boeing (737, 747, 757), Airbus (A340 via S.A.B.C.A.), Piaggio Aerospace (P180 Avanti EVO marry-up jig), Ilyushin (Il-114), Tupolev (Tu-204), the Ariane 5 space program, and defense programs such as J-22 Orao (with Romania) and Super Galeb G-4, plus helicopter components.
- Five-seat Turboprop Gyroplane (Utva and VaultGyro partnership) Pioneering five-seat runway-independent turboprop gyroplane being developed and certified in partnership with VaultGyro, produced at Utva's Pančevo Center facility with cabin modifications and avionics integration by Utva. For civil aviation markets seeking runway-independent aircraft.
Quantifiable outcome
- SOVA fuel consumption: less than 35 l/h (9.2 USG/hour) of 100LL avgas
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Utva
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Utva technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Utva partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- VaultGyrocoreUtva Avio Industrija signed a contract with VaultGyro for the development and certification of a pioneering 5-seat turboprop gyroplane. This project represents a significant step in Utva's technological direction.
- Skyworks Global Inc.coreSkyworks Global Inc. and Utva announced a strategic partnership to manufacture the 5-seat runway-independent Hawk 5 gyroplane. Utva's 925,000 sq ft facility at Pančevo Center produces the aircraft. Utva performs cabin modifications and avionics integration for the gyroplane.
- SmartLink (Dubai)coreUtva signed contracts worth €1.26 million at Partner 2019 exhibition with SmartLink from Dubai for production of modernized UTVA-75 aircraft, aircraft overhaul, and new aircraft development. SmartLink acts as a distributor/exporter for Utva aircraft to Middle East markets.
- Stavatti Aerospace Ltd.minorStavatti Aerospace Ltd. and Jugoimport-SDPR entered an agreement to develop and produce a new single engine aircraft to be produced at UTVA aircraft factory in Pančevo, Serbia for worldwide export.
- Vojnotehnički institut (VTI)coreVTI (Military Technical Institute) collaborated with Utva on development of LASTA aircraft and G4 Super Galeb. VTI conducted the LASTA program in 1995 and performed structural calculations and flight testing. Utva participates annually in OTEH defense technology conferences organized by VTI.
- Mašinski fakultet Univerziteta u BeograduminorUtva and the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the University of Belgrade signed a strategic partnership agreement at Partner 2019. The agreement aims to connect higher education institutions and industry for science, innovation, and technological development through concrete activities with educational, applied, and developmental dimensions.
- Ministarstvo odbrane Republike SrbijecoreSerbian Ministry of Defense organizes the Partner defense exhibition and coordinates defense industry procurement. Utva is a member of the Odbrambena industrija Srbije group organized by the Serbian government.
- Vojska Republike SrbijecoreSerbian Army and Air Force are direct customers for Utva aircraft including LASTA trainer aircraft.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Utva competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pilatus Aircraft: Swiss manufacturer of the PC-21 turboprop military trainer and PC-12 utility aircraft. Direct competitor to Utva's LASTA in the military primary trainer market, targeting the same low-cost, high-performance segment.
- Tecnam: Italian manufacturer of light aircraft including the P2002 Sierra and P2006T, with growing presence in the military trainer market (M-345 with Leonardo). Comparable in size and product positioning to Utva in the light/utility aviation segment.
- PZL Mielec: Polish state-owned aircraft manufacturer (Lockheed Martin subsidiary) producing the M-346 jet trainer. Most directly comparable as a state-influenced Eastern European aircraft OEM serving both domestic and export defense markets.
- Grob Aircraft: German manufacturer of the G 120 TP and other military trainer platforms. Direct competitor in the primary military trainer segment with comparable all-composite construction and modular avionics approach.
- Diamond Aircraft: Austrian manufacturer of the DA20/DA22 and DART 550 military trainers. Direct competitor in both civil pilot training and military primary trainer markets, with comparable composite airframe technology and modern avionics positioning.
- Aero Vodochody: Czech manufacturer of the L-39 and L-159 jet trainers. Regional peer with comparable post-socialist defense industry heritage, serving as a benchmark for Eastern European trainer/aircraft OEMs competing in the global defense market.
- Textron Aviation (Beechcraft): US manufacturer of the T-6 Texan II military trainer through a joint venture with Lockheed Martin/Sierra Nevada Corporation. Directly competes with LASTA in international trainer competitions and offers a comparable piston/turboprop training platform.
Broad incumbents
- Piper Aircraft: US manufacturer of general aviation aircraft including training platforms like the Piper Archer and Seminole. Broad incumbent in the civil pilot training market that competes with Utva's SOVA for flight school customers.
- SOCATA (Daher): French manufacturer of the TBM series and TB-series light aircraft. Broader incumbent in the general aviation/utility aircraft segment with overlapping light aircraft manufacturing capabilities, though focused on higher-end turboprop markets.
Emerging players
- Piaggio Aerospace: Italian manufacturer of the P.180 Avanti business/utility aircraft and active in special mission/UAV development. Already an industrial cooperation partner with Utva (P180 marry-up jig, 2015) and a comparable European light/utility aircraft OEM.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Utva social profiles
Digital presenceUtva compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Utva financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Utva leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Utva funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Utva M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Utva
What does Utva do?
Utva designs, manufactures, and services training and light aircraft for civil and military markets. Its two flagship products are the SOVA (UTVA-75A41M), a four-seat single-engine low-wing general aviation airplane, and the LASTA (Lasta 95N), a full-aerobatic piston-engine military trainer with tandem seating and wing hardpoints. Beyond airframes, Utva sells aircraft development and certification, flight testing, pilot training (DTO), and subcontract aerospace manufacturing services.
Is Utva a public or private company?
Utva is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Utva founded?
Utva was founded in 1937. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Utva based?
Utva is headquartered in Pancevo.
How does Utva make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Aircraft Manufacturing and Sales are the primary driver. The others are pilot Training Services, aircraft Development and Certification Services, flight Testing Services, aircraft Maintenance and Technical Publications, defense Industry Subcontracting and international Subcontract Manufacturing.
Who are Utva's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pilatus Aircraft, Tecnam, PZL Mielec, Grob Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, Aero Vodochody and Textron Aviation (Beechcraft). Broad incumbents are Piper Aircraft and SOCATA (Daher). Piaggio Aerospace is listed as an emerging player.
Does Utva have an API?
No public API is recorded for Utva.
What industry is Utva in?
Utva's product category is Aircraft Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAH, Military Aircraft Structures, Airframes & Composites. Its NAICS code is 336411 and its SIC code is 3721.