In the middle of 2024, there were major changes in the top management at Wojskowy Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. . The Supervisory Board elected a new President and Members of the Management Board. In July 2024, Dariusz Sokólski, who held the position from 2013 to 2015, returns to the position of President of the Management Board. He had already been associated with WZL No. 2 S.A. since 1999, where he passed through all levels from section manager through chief technologist to president of the company. He also served on the Supervisory Board as an employee representative. During this time, the company successfully implemented projects related to the modernisation of military aircraft and the change of profile towards civil aviation. In 2014, he started as a member of the Management Board of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. responsible for development and aviation platforms. From 2016 to 2023, he was associated with private industry operating in the unmanned aircraft sector. In turn, Jakub Gazda became Member of the Management Board for Economic and Financial Affairs, a position he assumed on 1 August. Barbara Palmowska remained as the third Board Member, while Zbigniew Matuszczak also joined the Board at the beginning of October as Technical Director. New authority, new Management Board and new order. New organisational regulations were introduced to the Company, which are expected to bring many good changes to the Company for the coming years.
The year 2024 for WZL No. 2 S.A. was a period of dynamic international cooperation. These events strengthened the plant’s position on the aviation market and prepared it for the implementation of new technologically advanced projects.
A number of significant cooperation agreements (MoUs) were signed, including in the area of support for the exploitation of the FA-50 aircraft with the Korean companies KAI and Young Poong Electronics, and in the area of support for the exploitation of Martin Baker ejection seats used on Polish Air Force aircraft. A letter of intent was also signed with Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów on cooperation regarding the maintenance of F100-PW-229 engines in Poland. The agreements are aimed at developing competencies in the area of servicing not only airframes, but also advanced propulsion units. The new directions of cooperation pave the way for long-term business relations and the expansion of services for European customers.
During the MSPO International Trade Fair in Kielce, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A., together with together with other companies from the PGZ Group, PCO, Mesko and WZL-1, signed executive agreements for offset commitments with Lockheed Martin as part of Phase II of the Vistula programme. The companies will receive additional tooling and know-how allowing them to increase their production capacity, service offer of SZ RP aircraft or expand their research and development environment. As part of the agreement, WZL Nr 2 S.A. is implementing further projects for servicing F-16 and C-130 aircraft components, as well as expanding the plant’s production and R&D capabilities.
In October this year. Dariusz Sokólski, President of the Management Board, together with the President of ROMAERO S.A. Bogdan Costas, signed a cooperation agreement to support the maintenance of C-130 aircraft belonging to the Romanian Air Force. The signing of the agreement was accompanied, among others, by Minister of Economy Stefan-Radu Oprea, Head of the Chancellery of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Razvan Pircalabescu and Polish Ambassador to Romania Paweł Soloch.
The company presented its offer at numerous fairs and industry events. Representatives of the Plant participated in the Polish-Korean conference on the FA-50 aircraft, Defence24 Day and the 19th International Conference and Exhibition ‘Modern Technologies for State Security’.
The plant was active at numerous international conferences that brought together experts, professionals and aviation leaders to discuss and explore the common operational interests of the Hercules C-130 aircraft community.WZLNr 2 S.A. presented its C-130 aircraft servicing capabilities at the TCG World Wide Review and HERCULES ORION CONFERENCE (HOC), as well as participated in the ‘Poland C-130E/H Program Management Review’ conference at the 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz, organised by the US Department of the Air Force, concerning the review of the Polish C-130 E/H Hercules aircraft fleet.
Attending conferences provides networking opportunities to share operational and technical insights on modifications and maintenance between Hercules operators, aircrews, service centres, logistics and suppliers from around the world.
The company also featured at DroneTech, where BSP systems were promoted. WZL No. 2 S.A. also took part in the defence industry trade fair MSPO in Kielce, presenting systems for military aviation and technologies in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Representatives of the Plant were even present at the F100 World Wide Users Conference 2024, a meeting dedicated to the topic of F100 engine users. The event was organised by the IEMP (USAF) and Pratt & Whitney.
At the 16th International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition ‘HEMUS 2024’ Plovdiv in Bulgaria, the Company promoted its offer in support of the operation of Bulgarian MiG-29 aircraft.
In October this year. The Company presented its offer of civil aviation services at the MRO Europe International Trade Fair in Barcelona.
These numerous activities confirm the growing importance of Military Aviation Works No. 2 S. A. in the military aviation sector, unmanned aircraft systems and also in the civil aviation sector.
After 35 years, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 S.A. completed overhaul and modernisation work on Su-22 aircraft. The last machine, Su-22 UM3K No. 707, known as ‘Tygrysek’, departed from the Bydgoszcz airport for Mirosławiec. The Su-22’s service history at the plant included avionics upgrades to NATO standards and changes in camouflage. WZL Nr 2 S.A. will continue the modernisation of Polish military aviation, completing the service of the historic Su-22 aircraft and expanding operations to other platforms.
The 2024 Plant was visited by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digitalisation Krzysztof Gawkowski, Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivode Michał Sztybel, 2nd Kujawsko-Pomorskie Deputy Voivode Michał Koniuch, Deputy Mayor of Bydgoszcz Mirosław Kozłowicz, PGZ S.A. board member. Piotr Zawieja, as well as foreign guests from South Korea, led by Deputy Minister of the Defence Procurement Agency (DAPA) Hyunki Cho. The delegation from DAPA and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea was also accompanied by representatives of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanhwa Aerospace Europe, as well as the Inspectorate of Armed Forces Support and the Department of Armaments Policy. The main purpose of the visits was to present the Company’s potential and familiarise the delegation with the wide range of services that WZL Nr2 S.A. provides for the Polish Air Force and civil aviation.
Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. is also involved in a number of social events, thus strengthening its image as an active partner in the aviation industry and a responsible participant in social life. The company supports the celebration of airbases and participates in air shows and picnics. For the fourth time, the employees of WZL Nr2 S.A. supported the charity event organised by Nitro-Chem, ‘Table Tennis Tournament’, the aim of which was to fund gifts for children from the Childcare and Education Centres in Trzemiętów.
In summary, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. has strengthened its position as a strategic partner in the areas of military aviation, civil aviation and unmanned aircraft technology in 2024. Thanks to the new management, international partnerships and participation in prestigious industry events, the Company is ready to implement new and ambitious projects and further develop in the global market.