GKN Aerospace’s Fokker Technologies business unit announces that a total of 23 Fokker aircraft were placed with 6 existing Fokker operators and 3 new operators during the first half of 2016 by their respective aircraft owners. These comprise 8 Fokker 50s and 15 Fokker 100s. This compares with 50 placements in 2015.

“Low operating costs, aircraft longevity and comprehensive support remain key elements in all of the deals so far this year”, says Fokker Services’ Director of Aircraft Remarketing Peter van Oostrum

In Australia, Network Aviation, a Qantas subsidiary, purchased 3 more Fokker 100s enlarging its Fokker 100 fleet size to 17. Increasingly, the Fokker 100s are used for regular public transport (RPT) in addition to operating on more traditional fly-in, fly-out routes (FIFO) in support of natural resources’ industries. Australasia in general has been rapidly expanding its Fokker jet fleet. Alliance continues to take delivery of Fokker 70s and Fokker 100s as part of a deal announced last year. Similarly, Air Niugini is taking delivery of various Fokker 70s, all of which will have WiFi installed by Fokker

In Europe the Slovak Government purchased 2 Fokker 100 Executive Jets (F100EJ) from MJet, replacing various Soviet-era jets, while an undisclosed lessor purchased 4 Fokker 100s. Both are new operators for the type. At the same time, there has been a strong demand for ACMI services from various traditional Fokker 100 operators.

All 8 Fokker 50s went to various operators in East Africa, where the aircraft’s renowned durability has been particularly helpful in typically harsh operating environments.

North America’s Fokker presence increased through the purchase of 6 Fokker 100s from Ocean Air by JMW.

Fokker does not sell nor lease Fokker aircraft. Rather, it facilitates placements by sellers and lessors through its FLYFokker program and remarketing services, in addition to providing comprehensive support to Fokker aircraft operators throughout the world.

At present there are over 400 Fokker aircraft operational across the world. The Fokker aircraft have earned a reputation for advanced technology, comfort, operational reliability, low noise levels and durability. Many consider the Fokker aircraft among the best mid-size aircraft ever built.