Rescuer in sight for Fokker but it may be too late

BANKRUPT Dutch plane maker Fokker was inching to a possible rescue by raider Jaap Rosen Jacobson yesterday. However, the firm's main suppliers said they had given the receivers just two more weeks to secure a salvage.

Belfast based wings maker Shorts Brothers plc said it and aircraft bodies maker, Daimler Benz Aerospace, were negotiating delivery of more supplies to Fokker.

However, a Shorts spokesman said: "We have already said to Fokker that unless there is a firm decision by then (May 31st), we will dismantle the (production) lines."

Mr Leo Steinj, a spokesman for the receivers, said: "We expect a decision about continuation of aircraft making before the end of the month."

Fokker's plane making activities went bankrupt on March 5th after several international aerospace companies declined to make an offer for the heavily lossmaking unit of Daimler Benz Aerospace (DASA), which cut a cash lifeline in February.

The receivers are renegotiating the conditions under which Fokker's 1,000 suppliers would pick up production for a relaunched company.

Shorts said it had begun work on Monday on finishing five more sets of wings which were at a late stage of completion.

Mr Steijn confirmed they were meant for new Fokker aircraft, beyond the IS agreed at the bankruptcy.