No. of :

No. of Shares:

Currently viewed by: Marcus Rosit

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Decommissioned air force plane permanently ‘grounded’ in Silay City

Decommissioned air force plane permanently ‘grounded’ in Silay City

Write a comment

Delete

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) –- A piece of Philippine aviation history – the last Fokker F-27-200 Friendship aircraft in service with the Philippine Air Force –, is now permanently “grounded” at the People's Park in Barangay E. Lopez in Silay City.

This medium-lift aircraft was delivered to the PAF in 1958 and served with distinction for 63 years. It held a special place in the history of the PAF as it carried Presidents and VIPs on countless missions. 

Later, as part of the 220th Airlift Wing, it performed emergency air evacuations, maritime patrols, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations. 

In 2022, this aircraft encountered engine trouble at the Bacolod-Silay Airport and was deemed beyond economical repair. It was eventually decommissioned.

EditDelete
The Philippine Air Force Fokker F-27-200 Friendship aircraft now rests at the People's Park in Barangay E. Lopez in Silay City for the visitors to appreciate the 63-year service of the aircraft to the Philippine Air Force. *(Photo courtesy of Silay City PIO)
Delete

Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño, commanding general of the Philippine Air Force led the hand-over of the aircraft to Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego.

“This Fokker F27 aircraft gave everything it had to offer and more.  While it will no longer soar through the skies, the aircraft will continue to hold the people of Silay and the visitors of the park, under its wings.  This aircraft has gone through generations of pilots and I hope in this park, it will continue to inspire and evoke wonders in future generations,” Parreño said.

Gallego said that the city is blessed to have a piece of aviation history right in its very soil, as he thanked the PAF for facilitating the transfer of the aircraft to the People’s Park.

“We close the final chapter of this marvelous aircraft, so it can finally rest easy, retiring with grace and dignity as one of the finest assets of the Philippine Air Force,” Parreño added. (AAL/EAD-PIA6 Neg.Occ.)

EditDelete
Philippine Air Force Commanding General LTGEN Stephen P Parreño (left) and Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego unveil the marker sealing the formal turn-over of the aircraft to the Silay City government. **(Photo courtesy of Silay City PIO)

About the Author

Easter Anne Doza

Writer

Region 6

Simple.

Related News

Feedback / Comment

Get in touch