Fokker 70 regional jet

The Fokker 70 is a shortened, twin‑engine regional jet developed from the Fokker 100. It served short‑to‑medium routes, offering around 70 seats, rear-mounted turbofans and a T-tail; it was the last civil airliner built by Fokker.

Overview

The Fokker 70 is a narrow‑body regional airliner produced by the Dutch manufacturer Fokker as a shorter derivative of the Fokker 100. Designed for short‑to‑medium range routes, the type typically accommodates roughly seventy passengers in a single‑aisle layout. It retains the same basic configuration as its larger sibling — a T‑tail and rear‑mounted engines — but with a shortened fuselage and systems adapted for regional operations. The aircraft is powered by twin rear-mounted turbofan engines.

Design and characteristics

The Fokker 70 combines a conventional cockpit and two‑crew operation with a passenger cabin optimized for regional comfort. Distinctive features include the high T‑tail, aft engine installation, and a robust wing derived from the Fokker 100. The shortened airframe improves climb and sub‑regional performance while preserving commonality with the larger model for maintenance and crew training.

Typical seating: around 70 passengers in a single aisle.
Engines: two rear‑fuselage turbofan engines.
Configuration: T‑tail, two‑pilot flight deck, standard regional avionics.

Development and history

Developed as a compact version of the Fokker 100, the Fokker 70 was introduced in the early 1990s to meet demand from airlines needing smaller capacity on thin routes while keeping commonality with existing fleets. It was produced by Fokker, the Dutch aircraft company known for a long line of civil and military types (Fokker). The model is directly related to the Fokker 100 platform (Fokker 100), sharing systems, cockpit layout and many structural elements.

Operators and uses

Airlines used the Fokker 70 mainly on regional and feeder services, linking secondary airports to larger hubs or operating short international routes. Its size and performance suited short runways and frequent turnarounds. Besides scheduled carriers, a number of examples were adapted for corporate, government and VIP transport. Over time many operators retired or replaced the type with newer regional jets or turboprops as fleets modernized.

Notable facts and legacy

The Fokker 70 is notable for being among the last new civil airliners produced by Fokker before the company left the new‑aircraft market. Its design exemplifies a practical approach to fleet commonality and regional efficiency during the late 20th century. Though production has ended, the type remains an example of incremental adaptation of a successful regional platform to meet varying airline needs.