FOKKER HAS WON another year's reprieve, after gaining agreement from the Dutch bankruptcy court that it can keep assembly lines open for another year, to produce 15 more aircraft.
The agreement removes the immediate threat of closure which has been looming for the bankrupt aircraft maker, but key outside suppliers say that they are still likely to begin dismantling their own production lines if no long-term solution is found soon.
Since its collapse in March, Fokker's assembly lines have been kept open with a skeleton staff of 450 to finish 15 aircraft which were already close to completion. The work was due to end in mid-June, but receivers have battled to find new cash customers (Flight International, 15 -21 May).
The new business comes from KLM, which has asked to have another seven Fokker 70 regional jets for its Cityhopper operation. Vietnam Airlines will also take the two Fokker 70s it has on order, while Ethiopian Airlines will receive its remaining four Fokker 50s. Formosa Airlines and TAM have each placed a further order for Fokker 50s.
Manufacture of the 15 aircraft, which will be based partly on using up existing stock, should keep assembly lines open until April 1997, giving Fokker more time to secure a rescue.
Time pressures remain from creditors and key suppliers, keen for a decision on Fokker's long-term future. Shorts, which will complete another seven Fokker 70 wing-sets over the next five months, says that it needs a decision "soon", or it will face dismantling the line.
Source: Flight International
