Fokker Services has certified a 20 % Landing Gear life extension from 60,000 to 72,000 landings for the Fokker 50. This significantly reduces Direct Operating Cost (DOC) and allows more flexibility in fleet operation and maintenance scheduling.  Additionally, Fokker 50 owners will benefit from an increased asset value of the aircraft.

The life extension has become possible based on favorable operating experience and has been achieved in close cooperation with Fokker 50 Landing Gear supplier Messier Bugatti Dowty.

The first Fokker 50 aircraft are approaching the current maximum life of 60,000 flight cycles for their landing gears and will immediately benefit from this life extension. The average annual number of flight cycles for a Fokker 50 aircraft is around 1,400, resulting in an average landing gear life increase of 8.5 years. The maximum structural life of the Fokker 50 aircraft is 90,000 flight cycles.

Frans van de Pol, Vice President Fokker Programs states:  “This landing gear life extension clearly demonstrates our continuous pursuit and investments to develop opportunities for our customers to make continued competitive operation of the Fokker fleet a reality.”

Fokker Services press release