Flying with Saudi Elegance

    

 In the early 1980s, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) embarked on a strategic move that would mark a turning point for its fleet: the introduction of two Fokker F‑28 Fellowship jets. Compact yet highly versatile, these aircraft combined modernity, efficiency, and international reach. Far more than mere airplanes, the F‑28s became the key that enabled Saudia to expand its operations into Europe while strengthening domestic routes—all without purchasing the aircraft outright—thanks to a wet lease agreement with the Danish carrier Cimber Air.

    Under this arrangement, the aircraft came complete with their own maintenance, crew, and insurance, yet operated in Saudia’s livery. This provided the airline with the flexibility to grow its network without tying up its own resources.

    Saudia was no stranger to leasing. Back in the mid‑1970s, a Nord 262 bearing the registration OY‑BDD had temporarily flown in Saudia colours before returning to its Danish owner. However, the arrival of the F‑28 represented a significant step forward. The two jets, OY‑BRM (msn.11143) and OY‑BRN (msn. 11151),  donned the airline’s full colour scheme and were deployed between 1980 and 1986 on short- and medium‑haul routes, both within Saudi Arabia and to nearby international destinations. Their compact size and operational efficiency made them ideal for replacing older models and increasing the frequency of domestic flights, foreshadowing Saudia’s later adoption of more modern narrow‑body aircraft.

    During this period, Saudia also established the Special Flight Services (SFS) division, tasked with operating special flights for the Royal Family and the Government. Through this unit, the F‑28s were able to serve a variety of European destinations on official or specialised missions, while smaller aircraft, such as the Cessna Citation, handled less demanding or highly specific tasks.

    At the conclusion of the lease, both F‑28s were returned to their rightful owner, who subsequently marketed them commercially. The experience left a clear lesson: strategic leasing allowed Saudia to modernise its fleet and extend its international reach without straining its own resources, combining efficiency, flexibility, and the capacity to operate both commercial and specialised services.

 

   * msn. 11143 OY-BRM  li 07Jul1980 - 16Dec1986.

   * msn. 11151 OY-BRN   li 28Jun1980 - 16Dec1986.

Veteran and Still in Commercial Service

    On 03Mar2026, the Fokker F-28 Mk.1000C TC-53 (msn.11020) carried out another commercial service for Líneas Aéreas del Estado (LADE) of Argentina. At 7:53 a.m. it departed from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires City bound for Mar del Plata, Bahía Blanca and San Carlos de Bariloche, operating flight 5U504.

    Following our previous report – “Ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of the Fokker F-28 in the Argentine Air Force” – the only Fellowship still in active service worldwide flew on 13Nov2025 to Bogotá (Colombia), with intermediate stops in Salta and Lima (Peru). It returned from the Colombian capital on 20Nov2025, routing via La Vanguardia (Colombia), Lima (Peru) and Salta, finally landing at its home base of El Palomar.

    December 2025 saw TC-53 heavily engaged. On the 3rd, it performed two flights: one test flight and another to Río Cuarto to attend the ceremony marking the reception of the first six F-16 aircraft acquired by the Argentine Air Force.

    Below is a summary of the flights continued by TC-53 during Dec2025:

- 11Dec2025. Passenger service 5U504 (LADE), Aeroparque to final destination Comodoro Rivadavia, with intermediate stops in Mar del Plata and Bahía Blanca.

- 12Dec2025. Aeroparque – Córdoba – El Palomar AFB.

- 17Dec2025. El Palomar AFB – Santa Fe.

- 18Dec2025. Passenger flight 5U502 (LADE). Aeroparque – Mar del Plata – Bahía Blanca – Bariloche.

- 19Dec2025. Mendoza – Aeroparque – El Palomar AFB.

- 23Dec2025. El Palomar AFB – Mendoza – San Luis – El Palomar AFB.

- 29Dec2025. El Palomar AFB – Córdoba – Mendoza – Córdoba – El Palomar AFB.

    Bringing 2025 to a close, on 30 December the F-28 entered its annual inspection at its home station, El Palomar Air Base.

    The Fellowship returned to service on 04Feb2026, carrying out a post-maintenance test flight. February once again proved to be a demanding month:

- 04Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Paraná AFB.

- 05Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Escuela de Avición Militar (Córdoba).

- 07Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Aeroparque – Rosario – Aeroparque – El Palomar AFB. Participation in the ceremony for the presentation of General San Martín’s sabre to the city of San Lorenzo, Santa Fe Province.

- 09Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Córdoba – Neuquén – Esquel. Transport of firefighting brigades to combat wildfires in southern Argentina.

- 10Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Escuela de Avición Militar (Córdoba) – El Palomar AFB.

- 12Feb2026. Passenger flight 5U502 (LADE). Aeroparque – Mar del Plata – Bahía Blanca – Bariloche.

- 13Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Escuela de Avición Militar (Córdoba).

- 19Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Escuela de Avición Militar (Córdoba).

- 24Feb2026. El Palomar AFB – Aeroparque.

- 25Feb2026. Aeroparque – Bariloche.

- 26Feb2026. Aeroparque – Tandil – Aeroparque.

- 27Feb2026. Aeroparque – Paraná – Río Cuarto – Aeroparque.

- 03Mar2026. Passenger flight 5U502 (LADE). Aeroparque – Mar del Plata – Bahía Blanca – Bariloche.

    It should be noted that this record of operations may not reflect the entirety of the flights undertaken during the period, but rather those that have been confirmed.

    Nevertheless, it is truly remarkable to witness how this aircraft continues to extend its operational boundaries and maintain a visible presence both domestically and internationally. Despite its veteran status, TC-53 demonstrates exceptional relevance, standing as a symbol of continuity, versatility and operational commitment.

Agradecimiento: Francisco Jaime

Never delivered #22

 

    In 1978, a Fokker F‑28 Mk.4000 embarked on a promotional tour across the United States. This particular aircraft, construction number 11130, was owned by Linjeflyg. Before its delivery to the Swedish airline, it had served as a demonstration aircraft for Fokker, operating under the registration PH‑JPV.
    In February of that year, the jet touched down in Minneapolis, where it was presented to the team at North Central Airlines, giving them a firsthand look at its capabilities, design, and operational potential.
    This aircraft tour offered an enticing glimpse of what North Central Airlines’ fleet might have looked like had they opted to purchase the Fokker F‑28 Mk.4000, showcasing a combination of modern engineering, compact versatility, and efficient regional performance that the model was known for.