The Tachikawa Aircraft Co Ltd was founded in 1924 and was basically known for producing primary trainers for the Japanese Air Force from 1927. In 1940 work began on the Y-39, a low-wing twin-engine monoplane, which was built in a variety of variants to meet a number of needs.

The L-410 series was designed by the Letov organisation as a light transport and feeder liner for operation in the eastern block. The prototype (OK-YKE) flew for the first time on 16 April 1969 powered by two 533-kw (715-eshp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 turboprops.