Healthy demand for Fokker aircraft in first half of 2012

Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, July 16, 2012 --[ASDWire]-- A total of 23 Fokker aircraft were placed with existing and 5 new operators during the first half of 2012. This compares with 27 during the first half of 2011 and 33 during the second half of 2011. ‘The slightly smaller number now reflects the lower availability of Fokker aircraft. At the same time it also demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the Fokker aircraft’ according to Fokker Services’ Director of Aircraft Remarketing, Peter van Oostrum.
In Europe Greek startup Minoan Air purchased 4 Fokker 50s, which are being used on ACMI services throughout Europe.
Australian operator Alliance is adding a Fokker 50 to its fleet of 5 Fokker 50s and 20 Fokker 70/100s. The Fokker 50 is leased from Dutch lessor GAFinance.
Australia continues to be a stronghold for Fokker 100s as Network Aviation, a Qantas subsidiary, is adding 5 Fokker 100s to its existing fleet of 7. With this acquisition the total Australian fleet of Fokker 100s and Fokker 70s now stands at 43 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 (dae) took on its third Fokker 100 on lease from AeroCentury and Air Panama is phasing in its first 2 Fokker 100s.
Various undisclosed operators have taken on another Fokker 50 and 9 Fokker 100s.
Fokker Services does not sell nor lease Fokker aircraft. Rather, it facilitates placements by sellers and lessors, in addition to providing comprehensive support to Fokker aircraft operators throughout the world. ‘Operational versatility, timely product and service improvements, low capital costs and continued support are the main reasons why operators keep on taking  Fokker aircraft’, says Peter van Oostrum.  ‘Recent product improvements include a 20 % life extension on the Fokker 50 landing gear and a cost-effective GNSS on the Fokker 100’.