Fokker Next Gen has announced the closure of its legal representation in Latvia. The decision is part of the group's internal review and consolidation of operations, with the company focusing its main activities in the Netherlands at this stage.
The Netherlands-based company is working on the development of a hydrogen-powered aircraft model with 120-150 passenger seats and a provisional operating range of up to 2,500 kilometers.
Since the company's arrival in Latvia, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has provided extensive non-material support, including access to institutional partners, the research ecosystem, and international cooperation platforms.
The closure only applies to the local legal structure in Latvia. Fokker Next Gen will maintain the memoranda of cooperation concluded with the Ministry of Economics, Liepaja SEZ, Riga Technical University and airBaltic, which were signed by the company's Dutch division. These may be activated depending on the company's further development steps.
"The international investment environment is currently challenging for many high-tech companies, and restructuring is not uncommon. Fokker Next Gen's decision to concentrate its activities in the Netherlands is an internal process within the group. The memoranda of cooperation with Latvian institutions remain in force, and Latvia continues to develop its hydrogen and modern aviation technology ecosystem, maintaining its existing achievements," emphasizes Ieva Jāgere, Director of the LIAA.
Over the past two years, LIAA and its partners have provided the company with meetings with Latvian companies and research institutions, support within the framework of international projects, cooperation with airBaltic, Liepaja SEZ and RTU, as well as contacts with potential financial partners and participation in high-level visits.
Liepaja, which the company initially chose as a potential production site, continues to promote the development of green energy and aviation technologies.
Uldis Hmieļevskis, manager of Liepaja SEZ, emphasizes: “Liepaja is developing into a center for sustainable aviation and hydrogen technology in the Baltic region. Several national-scale projects are being developed here in the fields of green energy, offshore wind, sustainable aviation fuel, and CO₂ circulation technologies, which are laying the foundation for new export-oriented industries.”
Latvia's hydrogen innovation ecosystem is developing in Riga, Liepaja, Ventspils, and elsewhere. Several green hydrogen and aviation technology projects are being promoted in the country. These processes are continuing regardless of Fokker Next Gen's internal restructuring and its decision not to maintain a legal presence in Latvia at this time.
The LIAA confirms its readiness to continue cooperating with the company to assist in the further development of the project after the reorganization.
About LIAA
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth and investment attraction, as well as develops the tourism industry and implements the country's image policy. The agency acts as a state partner in business development – from idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a secure, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
Translated with DeepL (free version)