Since 1970, the L-410 has been in operation with a variety of customers, having been typically used as an airliner and a utility transport aircraft, numerous military air services have also adopted the type.

[4] The company had decided to launch the project with awareness that the Soviet airline Aeroflot was actively seeking a turboprop-powered replacement for the Antonov An-2 biplane, which was viewed as a potentially lucrative opportunity for a suitable aircraft.

As a consequence of its increased empty weight and a shift in the center of gravity, the L-410 UVP has a decreased seating capacity of 15 passengers.

[7] The most common variant of the type, the L-410 UVP-E, possesses an increased maximum take-off weight of 6,400 kg (14,100 lb), is equipped with more powerful M601E engines that drive new five-blade propellers designated V 510, and is provisioned for equipping wing tip tanks that increase the aircraft's overall fuel capacity.

[9] Following the end of the Cold War, company officials opted to pursue opportunities for the aircraft in Western markets.

On 11 March 1998, the L-410 first received approval for its use in North America by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the improved L-410 UVP-E20 was similarly certified on 30 June 2015.

[10][2] On 4 February 2005, this same model of the L-410 had been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) while all other production variants followed on 28 March 2007.

[13] As part of this strategy, the company developed the most substantial variant of the aircraft to date, the L 410 NG, which can be visually distinguished from its predecessors by its considerably longer nose as well its enlarged rear area, the latter change being made to accommodate the carriage of double the luggage.

It is characterised by its relatively low maintenance and operating costs, as well as its adaptable design, which includes special interchangeable configurations.

The L-410 UVP-E features two hydraulic circuits, one being the primary and the other intended for emergencies; the main electrical system operates with 28V DC.

It is certified by the European Union, the Russian Federation, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, India, Nepal, Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Republic of South Africa, Algeria, Australia, Taiwan, Turkey, and many other countries accepting some of the previous certificates.

[21] The aircraft has also been approved for operation in a number of other countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Tunisia, Colombia, Venezuela, South Korea and others.