A study into the economic viability of reviving Fokker 70 and 100 Jetline production has cleared the way for Rekkof Restart to launch the project "before the end of the year".
"We're technically ready to go," says marketing manager Alexander ter Kuile, adding that only "legal issues" remain. A report commissioned by Rekkof on the effect of a possible global recession on the aircraft's prospects said it was worth pursuing "-because the regional jet segment remains buoyant".
Delays to the programme have dragged on for months as Rekkof's backers prevaricated over the start-up against a background of deteriorating economic conditions.
The company has tied up agreements with suppliers and is looking for airline commitments.
Agreement on certification has been reached with the Dutch civil aviation authority. The first 40 aircraft will be built by certification holder Fokker Services - owned by Stork - with joint Rekkof/Fokker Services ownership of the licence thereafter. This meets the authority's demand that existing and new-build Fokker 70 and 100 fleets will come under the responsibility of a single engineering group.
A payment of some NLG645 million ($340 million) will be made by the trustees of bankrupt Fokker next month to creditors as it clears outstanding disputed claims. All but one of the Fokker estate's remaining 13 aircraft have been sold, including three Fokker 100s and seven Fokker 50s to financial institution Lazard Freres.Source: Flight International
