Helvetic Airways says goodbye to its legendary Fokker F100

On 14 June 2019, Swiss airline Helvetic Airways said goodbye to its legendary Fokker 100, after a tour over Switzerland and a flight to Bratislava. Helvetic was flying this type of aircraft since 2003.

It is the end of an era for the Swiss airline; it has been announced more than 9 days ago via Facebook.

The final 56 minutes flight, 2L100 / OAW100, was operated this morning by the last Fokker F100 in service for Helvetic, HB-JVG, with the press on board. The aircraft got a water salute after landing.

After nearly 16 years operating the type, the final Helvetic Airways Fokker 100 – HB-JVG – has just departed Zurich for the last time. It is en-route to Bratislava for storage. Track #2L9952: https://t.co/gqsPhliGo0https://t.co/bIsIHNhlSm
H/t @zrhspot @Easyspotting pic.twitter.com/WzZC74SCWg

— Airport Webcams (@AirportWebcams) June 14, 2019

The aircraft has been ferried later to Bratislava, Slovakia, and joined HB-JVF, which flew yesterday to Bratislava as well. These 2 aircraft were used as operational reserve since early June.

Helvetic was operating the Fokker 100 since November 2003, when the airline was launched with its distinctive lollipop livery:

ZRH ¦ How it all began 1/2
Helvetic Airways' first Fokker 100 HB-JVA two days after delivery, wearing the airline's initial striking lolipop colours, ZRH 27 November 2003. pic.twitter.com/Oqk4en9bCz

— ZRH ¦ spot (@zrhspot) June 14, 2019

ZRH ¦ How it all began 2/2
What looked like a real flight was in fact a ground test, simulating a one hour flight with passengers and full service. Photo one: inside, photo two: at the same time outside, firmly parked on Delta Five, ZRH 27 November 2003. pic.twitter.com/QdfctOtxbw

— ZRH ¦ spot (@zrhspot) June 14, 2019

Helvetic Airways had up to 9 Fokker F100s in its fleet, before acquiring 11 Embraer ERJ-190s from 2014.

Helvetic Airways has still 12 Embraer E2-190s on order, and the first one (to be registered HB-AZA) is expected in autumn, said the airline.

3 airlines in Europe are still operating with Fokker 100: Montenegro Airlines (2), Tus Airways (2) and Carpatair (3).

Some of aviation24.be members pictures :