Last weeks the big news in Holland was the possible start of the production by Rekkof BV of the new Fokker XF Series a.k.a. the Fokker 70/100 New Generation. Dutch Minister of Economy Maria van der Hoeven is expected to provide 20 Million Euros for the initial development depending on the approval of the European Union.

The new aircraft will be based on the Fokker 70 and 100 design but with new engines, winglets, extended range, fuel efficient, a light aircframe and a cost effective design. The aircraft is said to be almost 20% more fuel-efficient than the Embraer 190 according to Rekkof.  The XF-70 and XF-100 will be powered by Rolls Royce BR-170 engines with ranges varying between 2300 and 3000 NM for the XF-70 and 2100-2400 NM for the XF-100.  Thrust for the XF-70 version will be 14.000 lbs and the XF-100 will be 15.460 lbs.

Will it ever become a (small) success? I don't think so. The world market is already full of aircraft in the range of 70-120 seats. Think of Airbus with their A318/319, Embraer with the EMB170/190, the new Sukhoi Superjet 100, Bombardier CRJ-series, Commercial Aircraft Company of China ARJ-21 (and C-919) and the intentions of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to enter the RJ market.

Also politics will play a big role which may be a negative influence on the possible sale of the aircraft. E.g. though KLM may have a big interest in the aircraft, Air France may decide otherwise. Key factor though will be a combination of the right aircraft for the right airline at the right time plus the selling price. Maybe Rekkof will pull it off, but it will not be easy. But then again, aviation is full of surprises....