IATA F27ICAO F27

Fokker F27 Friendship

Fokker

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Iconic Dutch turboprop that defined regional aviation for decades.

First flight

1955

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

28–52 passengers

Range

1,740 km

Engines

Two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines

Status

In service

The Fokker F27 Friendship is a twin-turboprop airliner developed by the Dutch manufacturer Fokker, first flying in 1955 and entering airline service in 1958. It became one of the most successful turboprop airliners ever produced, with over 780 aircraft built between Fokker in the Netherlands and Fairchild in the United States under license. Designed to replace piston-engined short-haul aircraft, the F27 featured a high-wing configuration, Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines, and a pressurized fuselage, offering improved comfort and reliability for regional routes. It served operators on every continent across a wide variety of roles including passenger, cargo, and military transport. Production of the F27 continued until 1987, by which time it had spawned numerous variants and influenced successor designs including the Fokker 50. Many examples remain in service today with regional and cargo carriers, testament to the aircraft's robust design and versatility.

Notable operators

Major operators included Air Lingus, Indian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and numerous regional and charter carriers worldwide.

Notable facts

›Over 780 aircraft were built, making it one of the best-selling turboprops in history.
›Fairchild Aircraft produced a licensed version in the United States as the Fairchild FH-227.
›The F27 influenced the design of its successor, the Fokker 50, which used a modernized airframe.
›It was offered in numerous variants including passenger, freighter, combi, and maritime patrol configurations.
›The F27 remained in production for nearly 30 years, from 1958 to 1987.