The Piešťany Aviation Festival, held on 14–15 June 2025, united aviation enthusiasts and industry leaders in a celebration of flight, attracting more than 25,000 visitors on its opening day. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, featuring military displays by the Slovak Ministry of Interior and Armed Forces, alongside historic jets such as the L-29 Delfín and L-39 Albatros representing Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, and Latvia.

A standout highlight was the Antonov collection from Ukraine, which included the AN-32P (operated by XENA), AN-12 (Cavok Air), and AN-26 (Vulkan Air). These aircraft, rarely seen in Europe, preserved an important chapter of Ukrainian aviation heritage. Their presence at the festival served as a powerful symbol of resilience, drawing widespread attention and admiration.

Among the lineup, XENA’s AN-32P FIREKILLER emerged as a star attraction, performing the festival’s only aerial firefighting demonstration. Flying at an altitude of 70–80 meters—higher than the typical 40–60 meters for safety—and at speeds of 250–260 km/h, the aircraft executed a dramatic water drop. It discharged eight tonnes of water in a single pass, creating an impressive coverage pattern 35 meters wide and 160 meters long.

“We are truly honored to participate in the Piešťany Aviation Festival 2025,” said Roman Mileshko, XENA’s Founder. “The event provided an excellent platform to demonstrate the unique capabilities of our AN-32P FIREKILLER and the exceptional professionalism of our crews. The festival not only allowed us to showcase the aircraft’s remarkable firefighting abilities but also highlighted our commitment to excellence in aviation technology and operations.”

As the world’s only operator of the AN-32P Firefighter Aircraft—and Ukraine’s first commercial aerial firefighting company—XENA has built a reputation for delivering exceptional firefighting performance with optimal operational efficiency. With over 900 successful missions and full compliance with FAA Category 1 and EASA procedures, XENA’s experienced crews—many with military backgrounds—bring thousands of hours of expertise in complex, high-risk environments. Decades of logistical know-how and operational excellence enable the company to maintain a robust support and maintenance system, ensuring aircraft readiness and mission success.

The AN-32P FIREKILLER stands out for its exceptional technical versatility. Its four autonomous outer pouring units enable rapid refill of eight tonnes of fire-retardant. Its specialized landing gear, low-pressure tires, and high-mounted engines allow operations from unprepared runways. Advanced engineering supports operations in extreme conditions up to 55°C and at airfield elevations up to 4,500 meters. Beyond firefighting, the AN-32P excels as a transport platform—capable of paradropping up to 27 smokejumpers, delivering 10 × 100 kg packages of equipment, and transporting cargo loads up to 6,700 kilograms in its spacious 66 m² hold, aided by a rear cargo ramp for flexible operations.

The participation of XENA’s AN-32P at the Piešťany Aviation Festival underscored the enduring innovation and strength of Ukraine’s aviation industry. Looking forward, XENA plans to expand its international services to meet growing global demand. Combining cutting-edge technology, proven expertise, and strategic foresight, the company is well-positioned as a leader in the international aerial firefighting sector. XENA remains steadfast in its dedication to technical excellence, operational safety, and continuous innovation.