KLM sells seven Fokker 70s to Air Niugini

Today saw the symbolic transfer of the first of seven Fokker 70 aircraft from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea. KLM will begin phasing out the Fokker 70 in December this year, at which time it will also welcome two new Embraer 190s. Air Niugini previously purchased a Fokker 100 and a Fokker 70 from KLM, in September 2013 and October 2014 respectively.

Boet Kreiken, managing director of KLM Cityhopper, presented the Fokker 70 (PH KZF) to Sir Frederich Reiher, chairman of Air Niugini’s board. “Following a 21-year history, we now bid a fond farewell to our second Fokker 70 - said Boet Kreiken, Managing Director KLM Cityhopper - It is good to know that our reliable Fokker 70s will have a second life at Air Niugini. These aircraft are valuable additions to the Air Niugini fleet, and we are proud of KLM’s contribution to the deal. We are also looking forward to having a young KLM Cityhopper fleet consisting entirely of Embraer 190s and 175s. These aircraft are more economical, ensuring cost benefits as well as better environmental performance”.