FI 17/02/04, Rekkof regroups for F70/100 revival plan!

REKKOF REGROUPS FOR FOKKER 70/100 REVIVAL PLAN
Flight International, February 17, 2004

Dutch holding company Rekkof Aircraft has revived efforts to relaunch production[/b] of the Rolls-Royce Tay 650-powered Fokker 70/100 family, five years after abandoning an earlier attempt.

Rekkof has held talks with many of the European Fokker 70 operators over the past 18 months and claims to have secured expressions of interest for over 50 aircraft. It is in full contract negotiation with two airlines, says Rekkof commercial director Ruud Kleinendorst.

Rekkof says Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines are among companies expected to place an order. R-R confirms that it is involved in the revival effort.

The company is undergoing due diligence with a group of investors to finance a €150 million ($190 million) production restart, which will begin once deposits for 80 aircraft are secured, he adds.

Assembly is likely to be undertaken at Lelystad, near Amsterdam, and suppliers have been identified for all the major components. Rekkof aims to start aircraft production by the middle of this year and predicts the first aircraft will be completed by 2006.

Please read it, and don’t respond! I don’t want anyone to burst my bubble! 😀

Fokker forever, yahooooo!