On 21 July, it was 100 years since Anthony Fokker registered Nederlandschw Vliegtuigenfabriek, which led to the formation of the world famous Fokker business.

It was fully integrated into GKN Aerospace in 2015 to give “a stronger GKN Aerospace with market leadership positions in aerostructures, engine systems and special technologies” and a global manufacturing footprint of 50 sites in 15 countries.

GKN Fokker (www.fokker.com/company) said: “Many advanced aircraft have GKN Fokker innovations on board, and over 400 Fokker aircraft are operational world-wide.

"Over the past 100 years, GKN Fokker has served as an ambassador and figurehead for the Netherlands in the global aerospace community.

"Together with its 3,300 Dutch employees across seven Dutch sites, the business continues to be an industrial champion and a major contributor to the economy of the Netherlands.”

John Pritchard, CEO of GKN Aerospace ASEA, said: “100 years on, we have achieved the dream of our founder, with our future firmly built on the foundation of a century of innovation.

“The entrepreneurship of Anthony Fokker has evolved into the world-class GKN Aerospace operation.

"We are proud to be part of the successful Netherlands aviation industry, together with KLM, NLR and many other businesses.”

Anthony Fokker’s first Dutch flight was carried out on 31 August 1911 around St Bavo church in Haarlem.