MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / AMSTERDAM
An initiative by Stork's Fokker Services maintenance division to revive the fortunes of the Fokker 100 with "Total Care" support packages will be applied to the Fokker 50 turboprop later this year.
Stork acquired the remnants of the Dutch manufacturer following Fokker's bankruptcy in 1996, and holds the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) status for the entire Fokker product line.
Fokker Services vice-president marketing and sales Erik Goedhart says the alliance with Rolls-Royce, dubbed "Future100", was set up after concerns about a collapse in market values as American Airlines, TAM and US Airways retire Fokker 100s. The two OEMs will help remarket aircraft and provide maintenance support to new operators. Germania placed a €17 million ($18 million) deal last week with Fokker Services for the overhaul of 17 Fokker 100s acquired from US Airways, and is discussing a Total Care programme.
Other Future100 partners include suppliers such as Messier Dowty, Honeywell, and Rockwell Collins, and possibly leasing companies like Debis AirFinance.
Goedhart says Stork is now "in talks with Pratt & Whitney Canada about a 'Future50' programme, and details will be unveiled in two to three months."
Source: Flight International
