IATA F27ICAO F27

Fokker F27 Friendship

Fokker

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The world's most successful turboprop airliner of its era.

First flight

1955

Category

Regional turboprop

Seating

28–52 passengers

Range

1,900 km

Engines

Two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines

Status

In service (limited)

The Fokker F27 Friendship is a twin-turboprop regional airliner developed by the Dutch manufacturer Fokker and first flown in the mid-1950s. Designed as a modern replacement for the Douglas DC-3, it featured a high-wing configuration, pressurized fuselage, and Rolls-Royce Dart engines, making it well-suited for short-haul regional routes. The F27 entered commercial service in 1958 and went on to become one of the best-selling turboprop airliners in aviation history, with over 780 aircraft built by Fokker and an additional 128 produced under license by Fairchild in the United States. It served with airlines, air forces, and charter operators worldwide across several decades. Multiple variants were developed, including stretched fuselage versions and specialized freighter and maritime patrol configurations. The type remained in widespread service well into the 1990s and beyond with regional operators, though it has largely been retired from major airline fleets.

Notable operators

Major operators included Aer Lingus, Air France, Braathens SAFE, Indian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and numerous regional carriers worldwide.

Notable facts

›Over 780 aircraft were built by Fokker in the Netherlands, with 128 more built under license by Fairchild in the USA.
›It entered airline service in 1958 with Aer Lingus and West Coast Airlines simultaneously.
›The F27 was produced continuously for over 30 years, from 1955 to 1987.
›Several military variants were developed for maritime patrol, electronic warfare, and transport roles.
›The design directly influenced its successor, the Fokker 50, which featured updated turboprop engines and avionics.