PH-PBA will continue to fly!

Only days ago Scramble reported on the final commercial flight of DDA Classic Airlines' DC-3 PH-PBA on 16 October. That 2024 was to be the final year had already been announced in February. The decision was based on a series of considerations which had all led to the same conclusion: it was impossible to continue to commercially fly a historic airliner like the Dutch Dakota.

At the time of the farewell ceremony at Schiphol Airport last Wednesday most people thought it was over and out for Dakota flying in the Netherlands. It was generally feared that one of the best kept and maintained DC-3s in the world would have to be sold to a foreign collection or wealthy individual.

But much to the relief of the average Dutch aviation fan, a sympathetic alternative has been found. The DDA board revealed yesterday, 19 October, during a meeting for donors and sponsors that the PH-PBA will remain in the Netherlands. The historic airliner will be passed on to the Aviodrome museum in Lelystad.

It will continue to fly albeit in a lower frequency, still supported by a group of DDA volunteers, both crew and technicians. These flights will take place under a changed regime, as DDA Classic Airlines until now operated under an official AOC (Airline Operating Certificate). Releasing the AOC status will provide a substantial financial advantage over the current situation. From this moment on, DC-3 flights by Aviodrome will only be possible for donors and sponsors.

During said meeting two things were furthermore announced: DDA donors/sponsors will eventually be asked to change to supporting the Aviodrome museum instead of DDA, and that the bi-monthly DDA publication 'Logboek' will cease to exist.

Photo by Hans Cornelissen from Scramble archives