A long-stalled dismantling programme has begun on 15 Fokker F28 aircraft that had sat in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for about two decades after Air Canada disposed of the fleet and transferred it to Quest Aviation Holdings. Twelve airframes have already been broken up, while three have been rescued instead of being scrapped: C-FTAV has gone to the Time Air Historical Society, and C-GYCR and C-GTIZ have been taken by private owners.
The aircraft were originally parked with plans for parts recovery, but the fleet gradually deteriorated as it remained on the ground for roughly 20 years. The start of demolition closes a long-running chapter for one of Canada’s more visible aviation remnants, rather than signalling any new operating use for the type.
The F28 has largely disappeared from commercial service worldwide. Only five remain active, all in military roles, which places the Saskatoon cleanup in the wider context of the type’s retirement from airline fleets. The work has progressed without a fresh operator timetable or detailed demolition schedule, beyond confirmation that dismantling has now started.