Fokker 70 VH-KBX (msn 11547), a VIP-configured aircraft formerly in service with the Dutch government (Rijksluchtvaartdienst) and currently operated and maintained by Australia's Alliance Airlines (QQ, Brisbane International), has been put up for sale with Fokker Aircraft Services appointed to market it.
The 28.6-year-old jet has been stored at Rockhampton since August 2023, although it has not operated any official flights since November 2022. Originally delivered to the Dutch government in 1996, it was retired from government service in 2017 and replaced with a B737-700(BBJ). The anonymous owner acquired it for EUR3.7 million euros (USD3.9 million) and deployed it on its own charter network. The Fokker 70 is currently owned by KBX Pty Ltd trust.
The Australian carrier retained the original executive configuration, which includes 12 VIP seats in the front section of the cabin and 12 business-class seats in a standard 2-2 layout in the aft.
"The aircraft has been meticulously maintained throughout its life and boasts a very low utilisation. This represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a large-size corporate jet with unique outfitting," Fokker Aircraft Services said.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Alliance Airlines continues to operate thirteen F70s (of which four are currently inactive) in standard configuration, seating up to 80 passengers each. The carrier also operates twenty-four Fokker 100s but is currently growing its Embraer aircraft fleet. It currently operates thirty-four E190s. However, during a recent shareholder call, Chairman Steve Padgett confirmed that the Fokker Aircraft regional jets will remain in Alliance Airlines' fleet for another six to nine years.
Editorial Comment: The article updates to correct that Alliance Airlines operates but does not own the Fokker 70. - 23Apr2024 - 07:29 UTC