A total of 51 Fokker aircraft were placed with 11 existing and 6 new Fokker operators in 2012 by their respective aircraft sellers and lessors. The number of 51 comprises 16 Fokker 50s, 5 Fokker 70s and 30 Fokker 100s.

‘Operational versatility, modest fuel burn, low capital costs and continued support are the main reasons why operators keep on taking Fokker aircraft’, says Fokker Services’ Director of Aircraft Remarketing Peter van Oostrum. ‘The remarketing success of the last few years, our pledge to support the Fokker aircraft for the next 2 decades and the Rolls-Royce Fractional Power program, which significantly lowers Tay 650 engine maintenance costs on a PbtH basis and which is currently being introduced, have all contributed to appraisers starting to increase values for the Fokker aircraft’, he adds.

In Europe Minoan Air purchased 4 Fokker 50s, which are being used on ACMI services, while startup Maastricht Airlines has signed on for its first 2 Fokker 50 leases, from Italian lessor Miniliner. Meanwhile, Excellent Air from Malta is introducing its first Fokker 100.

The growth of the Fokker fleet in Australia has continued throughout 2012 in terms of number of aircraft as well as number of operators. Alliance is currently adding various Fokker 70s to its total fleet of close to 30 Fokker 50/70/100s. Network Aviation, a Qantas subsidiary, has expanded its Fokker 100s fleet to a total of 13. Skippers Aviation is adding its first two Fokker 100s to its turboprop fleet. Meanwhile, 2 undisclosed Australian operators are each incorporating a Fokker 50 in their fleet. With these purchases the total Australian Fokker fleet now stands at over 50 aircraft. Most of these aircraft are performing fly-in, fly-out services in the harsh operating environment of Australia’s interior, supporting the booming mining industry.

Latin America continues to be a growing market for Fokker aircraft as Dutch Antilles Express took on its third Fokker 100 on lease from AeroCentury and Air Panama has phased in its first 2 Fokker 100s. Additionally, an undisclosed operator from South America has purchased 6 Fokker 50s for domestic services.

In Africa, thriving Kenyan operator Skyward has increased its Fokker 50 fleet by one and has also purchased its first jet, a Fokker 100.

Long-standing Fokker 50 operator Aero Mongolia, also serving the mining industry, added a Fokker 50 to its fleet, while in Kazakhstan an undisclosed operator acquired a Fokker 100.

Various undisclosed operators in Europe and Asia have taken on another 16 Fokker 100s.

Fokker Services press release