The Spanish airline Iberia incorporated three Fokker F-28 Mk. 1000 Fellowship aircraft into its pilot training program in 1970, signing an agreement with the Dutch company. These aircraft were leased with an option to purchase. They were also used for cargo operations. The three aircraft lacked access doors for bulky items, making them difficult to handle. Even so, a roller system was installed in April 1974 to facilitate practical training with the F-28s. Despite the loss of one of these aircraft, the performance of these aircraft was remarkable, and they remained in service until 1974, when it were stored at Barajas Airport. Later were returned to Fokker. Perhaps their weak point, according to statements from the Spanish company, was their high maintenance costs.
Fellowship Fleet• cn. 11017 EC-BVA dd. 23Abr70 “Río Arga” ex PH-ZAM.• cn. 11019 EC-BVBdd. 22May70 “Río Segre” ex PH-ZAO.• cn. 11023 EC-BVC dd. 13Ago70 “Río Jarama” ex PH-ZAV.
