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
No comments:
Post a Comment