F27s

The Fokker F27 Friendship, commonly referred to as the F27, is a twin-engined turboprop airliner produced by Fokker in the Netherlands. It was developed in the 1950s to serve regional passenger routes and to replace piston-engined airliners. The aircraft features a high-wing configuration, a conventional tail, and a pressurized cabin, designed for reliable operation on short runways and in less-developed airports.

The F27 first flew on 24 November 1955 and entered commercial service in 1958, with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines among the launch customers. It quickly gained popularity for its robustness, economical operating costs, and ability to operate from relatively short airstrips. The design emphasized ease of maintenance and reliability, qualities that helped it become a mainstay of regional aviation around the world.

Several main variants were produced, including early passenger versions designated F27-100, -200, and -300, each offering incremental improvements in range, payload, and cabin layout. The F27 was also adapted into cargo and military transport configurations. Production continued through the 1980s, ending in 1987, by which time hundreds of F27s had been built.

In service, F27s were operated by numerous civil airlines and by various military operators for transport, training, and VIP duties. As newer turboprops and regional jets entered service, many F27s were retired or converted to freight roles. A number remain in limited operation in some regions, and others have been preserved by museums and collectors.