A prototype of the upgraded Let L-410NG 19-seat turboprop completed its first flight on July 29, manufacturer Aircraft Industries Company of the Czech Republic announced. The prototype took wing from the company airport at Kunovice.

The L-410NG is a substantial upgrade of the serially produced L-410 UVP-E20 featuring a Garmin G3000 avionics suite, more powerful GE H85 engines and new wing structure with an integral fuel tank and increased fuel capacity. Aircraft Industries rolled out the prototype from its Kunovice plant on July 15.

Pilots Petr Jarocky and Stanislav Sklenar crewed the first flight, which begins a series of certification test flights. Aircraft Industries plans to begin production of the L-410NG in 2017. Its goal is to build up to 30 aircraft per year.