As a follow-on and replacement for the successful Zlin Trener series of tandem aerobatic trainers, Moravan developed a new family of light aircraft, featuring a side-by-side layout and comprising a two-seat trainer, the Zlín Z 42 and a four-seat trainer/tourer aircraft, the Zlín Z 43.
At around 4am on 9 September 2008, the Sri Lanka Air Force reportedly achieved its first air to air kill when an F-7G successfully intercepted and brought down an Air Tigers Z-143 over Mullaittivu.