GKN Fokker Services has revealed that 24 Fokker aircraft were placed in 2018, made up of 17 Fokker 50s, four Fokker 70s and three Fokker 100s placed with one new and eight existing operators.

There are currently approximately 400 Fokker aircraft operational worldwide.

Commenting on the placements, Fokker Services’ director business development Erik Geertsema, said: “The 24 aircraft placements, predominantly straight sales, demonstrate the continued economic viability of the Fokker aircraft.” GKN Aerospace’s Fokker Services business does not sell or lease Fokker aircraft, but facilitates placements by sellers and lessors through its FLYFokker programme and remarketing services, as well as providing support to Fokker aircraft operators.

In Europe, the Swedish operator Amapola added six Fokker 50s to its fleet, and now has 22 Fokker 50s, comprised of both passenger and freighter aircraft, making it the largest operator of the type.

The Dutch company ATS purchased a couple of Fokker 70s which became operational in 2019, while it sold one to Cypriot carrier TUS Aviation.

Avanti Air based in Germany, added a third Fokker 100 to its fleet to cater for increasing demand for wet leases.

While in the Philippines, Leading Edge Air Services Corp. (LEASCOR) purchased four Fokker 50s, increasing its Fokker 50 fleet size to six. An undisclosed operator also purchased one Fokker 100.

In Latin American, Gran Colombia de Aviación (GCA) purchased five Fokker 50s from Avior Regional. Air Panamá purchased one Fokker 100 to make a total fleet of five Fokker 100s. One undisclosed start-up operator also purchased a Fokker 70 which should become operational during 2019.

In Kenya, both Rudufu and Silverstone added one Fokker 50 to their respective fleets.

Geertsema added: “Low operating costs, aircraft longevity, operational versatility and comprehensive support have been instrumental in all of the deals in 2018.”