It will be a special day for KLM and for Dutch aviation.

On 28th October 2017, KLM will fly its last Fokker 70 commercial service, bringing an end to nearly a century (97 years to be exact) of Fokker service.

This flight will close also an important, if not THE most important, chapter of Dutch aviation so far. Anthony Fokker was one of the wonder-boys of the early days of aviation and it built what became a proper industrial symbol of the Netherlands.

Unfortunately no more Fokker aircraft are being built, since the aircraft manufacturer went bankrupt some twenty years ago (although there is still an aviation services firm that carries its name).

Fokkers are becoming also scarcer by the day...unless you live in one of the remote parts of Australia and New Guinea covered by Alliance Airlines network, a niche airline that flies to mining settlements and other remote outposts. The Australian airline values the ruggedness and reliability of Fokkers and it is getting many of those discarded by European airlines at discount prices.

In any case, Fokker enthusiasts out there will be glad to know that KLM is planning a whole photo and video session with the last of the type and a book celebrating the history of Fokker will be produced as well.

Recent revelations about the Fokker-piloting hobby of Dutch king Willem Alexander, left me wondering whether this last flight will have special guests onboard too...

KLM Bids Farewell to its Last Fokker