High-wing turboprop designed for speed, comfort and economy, in serving smaller airports. Developed from the successful Dutch Fokker F.27 Friendship and built under license by Fairchild at Hagertown, Maryland.

Northeast Airlines put its first (of seven) FH-227C into service from Boston on September 7, 1966. The FH-227 replaced the airlines' Douglas DC-3 and DC-6B propeller planes.

Interior styled for Northeast Airlines by industrial design firm Raymond Loewy/William Snaith. Drapes and seats of patterned tapestries and tweeds were in warm, golden colors of terracotta, orange and oatmeal, "suggesting the richness of a New England harvest." Carpet was rust colored. Front bulkhead was a simulated light wood paneling. Some interior trim was off-white color, and lavatory was finished in a rich yellow.

Fully pressurized and air conditioned interior. High wings allowed room for unusually large windows with unobstructed views for passengers.

Other conveniences:

• Cabin door had six integrated steps.
• Carry-on luggage racks
• Bags in the hold unloaded quickly through a large ground-level door.
• Auxiliary power unit provided air conditioning on the ground without outside power carts.

One of Northeast's early FH-277C passengers, a business commuter from Worcester, Massachusetts, said: "This is a very nice plane. I like the idea of being able to just walk aboard without having to climb up a ramp—and you can see out."