Summary
The Fokker 50 is quite a rare airliner in passenger service these days – particularly in Europe and North America.
Having once been the mainstay of many regional airlines and commuter fleets around the world, the Dutch turboprop type is now mostly relegated to serving airlines in Africa.
However, new Swedish airline populAir is an easy way to fly the type in Europe.
With a fleet of three Fokker 50s, and another due, populAir is focusing on providing passenger services around Sweden, as well as to Finland.
PopulAir Fokker 50 Fleet
populAir does not actually own its Fokker 50 fleet. They are in fact operated by AmapolaFlyg, a well-known Swedish charter operator which has regularly sent its aircraft on lease to other airlines. In this case, PopulAir is a new brand name for the passenger services of AmapolaFlyg.
The aircraft have, however, been painted in the bright green-and-white colours of populAir.
All were delivered in October and November 2023, after painting in the UK, with a fourth due soon. The fleet comprises:
- SE-MFO (cn 20251). Originally delivered to Icelandair in 1992.
- SE-MFY (cn 20109). Originally delivered to DLT in 1990.
- SE-MFZ (cn 20159). Originally delivered to DLT in 1990.
The fourth aircraft will be:
- SE-MFR (cn 20264). Originally delivered to Austrian Air Services in 1992.
The fleet has an average age of 32.8 years.
Where do populAir Fokker 50s Fly?
populAir is serving the following destinations:
- Stockholm Arlanda – Arvidsjaur
- Stockholm Arlanda – Gällivare
- Stockholm Arlanda – Hemavan
- Stockholm Arlanda – Kramfors
- Stockholm Arlanda – Lycksele
- Stockholm Arlanda – Vilhelmina
- Stockholm Arlanda – Örnsköldsvik
- Stockholm Arlanda – Mariehamn
- Mariehamn – Turku
Many of the routes operate on multiple-stops routing up and down Sweden, often on essential air services supporting remote communities.
How to Book a Fokker 50 Flight
populAir has a booking engine on its parent’s website, at https://amapola.nu/
