Showing posts with label 340B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 340B. Show all posts

19 December, 2023

Loganair gets ready to say goodbye to Saab340 aircraft with special flights....

All good things must come to an end.....



To commemorate the retirement of the iconic SAAB fleet, Scottish regional airline Loganair will be operating some special retirement flights in January 2024.



Having completed over 430,000 flights and transported more than 8 million passengers, the Saab 340 holds a special place in Loganair's heritage. To commemorate this extraordinary record of service, the airline is throwing open the hangar doors to say farewell to the Saab 340s – with the opportunity to fly on a specially arranged flight aboard the Saab 340s on their final weekend in service or tour of the Glasgow Hangar for a last chance to see the aircraft before it leaves the fleet. The hangar tours will run on Sunday, 21st January, between 10 am & 12 pm and an afternoon tour between 1 pm and 3 pm with limited places available.

Loganair is known as one of the only airlines in the world to use the SAAB within its commercial operation and has become a much-loved plane over the 24 years it's been in service. The special flights will take place on Saturday 20th, and Sunday 21st of January 2024, these will be short-circuit flights and cost £89 per person, including a commemorative gift bag. Hangar tours will be £25 per person. The flights will be approximately 45 minutes in duration, touring the West Coast – of course, the precise routings will be subject to weather conditions on the day and at the captain’s discretion.

Loganair has promised that it will be planting a tree in the re-emerging Caledonian Forest for each and every customer flying on these special flights.  





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Crew: 2 pilots 1 cabin crew

Capacity: 33/34

Seat pitch: 30in

Range: 919mi 1480km

Cruise speed: 299mph 481km/h



Loganair's charismatic CEO Jonathan Hinkles said:  "I very much hope that this celebration will allow us to mark all that has been achieved with the Saab 340 in its formidable run of service with us, and create memorable opportunities for many interested folk outside Loganair to take part in these events alongside us too. Although everyone who has flown, maintained, serviced and managed these aircraft during their 24½ years with us has been integral to the building of the modern-day Loganair with the Saab 340, the eight million customers who have flown with us on over 430,000 Saab 340 flights have also been fundamental too, so it’s important that we share this occasion outside Loganair as well.   We might just have another surprise or two in prospect as part of the celebrations!"

23 October, 2023

Saab 340 Performance and Versatility

What's the story about the Saab 340 turboprop..... the commuter regional airliner that offered performance and versatility.


The Saab 340 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that has left an indelible mark in the aviation industry since its introduction in the 1980s. Developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab AB, the Saab 340 is an aircraft that worked hard for its operators and earned a reputation for its reliability, versatility, and outstanding performance in regional and commuter operations. With a blend of efficiency, comfort, and durability, the Saab 340 has become a popular choice among airlines around the world.


Design and Development


The design and development of the Saab 340 began in the late 1970s as a response to the growing demand for a capable regional airliner. Saab AB, known for its expertise in aerospace engineering, aimed to create an aircraft that combined short takeoff and landing capabilities with economical operations. The result was the Saab 340, a 30 to 36-seat aircraft with impressive performance characteristics.

The Saab 340 featured a high-wing configuration, providing excellent stability and increased ground clearance for operations on short runways. Its two turboprop engines, typically supplied by General Electric or Allison, delivered efficient power and allowed the aircraft to operate effectively in various weather conditions. The 340's advanced avionics and autopilot system further enhanced its safety and operational capabilities.



Performance and Versatility


One of the key strengths of the Saab 340 was its exceptional performance. The aircraft boasted a maximum cruise speed of approximately 287 knots (532 kilometres per hour) and a range of up to 1,560 nautical miles (2,890 kilometres). Its short takeoff and landing capabilities made it well-suited for operations to smaller airports and remote locations where larger aircraft couldn't operate efficiently.

The Saab 340's versatility extended beyond passenger operations. It could be easily reconfigured to accommodate cargo, providing a flexible solution for transporting both people and goods. The aircraft's robust structure and rugged landing gear allowed it to handle rough runway surfaces and challenging environments, making it a favourite choice for airlines operating in regions with diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather conditions.


Saab 340 aircraft have accumulated 16.7 million flight hours, or more than 1.900 years in the air.
The individual Saab 340 with the highest number of flight hours has been in the air for more than seven years.
The Saab 340 has carried 317 million passengers. That is the equivalent of carrying all residents of Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Canada combined.
The average Saab 340 in service today has only reached half of it’s design life and can fly for many years to come.
More than 450 flights/day are still being made in the Saab 340, or one every three minutes.


Operational Success and Legacy


The Saab 340 enjoyed considerable success throughout its operational history. It proved particularly popular among regional and commuter airlines, who appreciated its efficiency, reliability, and low operating costs. Many airlines praised the aircraft for its comfortable and spacious cabin, equipped with large windows and ample legroom, ensuring a pleasant flying experience for passengers.

Over 450 Saab 340 aircraft were produced, and they served a multitude of airlines worldwide. Major operators included regional carriers such as American Eagle, Crossair, and Loganair, among others. The aircraft's success extended to military and government use as well, with some modified versions serving as surveillance aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and even air ambulances.

The Saab 340's legacy lives on even today, with several aircraft still in service around the world. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its efficient operations, versatility, and the strong support provided by Saab AB and other third-party maintenance providers. The aircraft's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and evolving customer needs has allowed it to maintain relevance and serve as a reliable workhorse in regional aviation.

At the end of the day, the Saab 340 stands as a testament to Saab AB's engineering prowess and commitment to delivering high-quality aircraft. Its blend of performance, versatility, and reliability has made it a staple in regional and commuter aviation for decades. The Saab 340's impact on the industry cannot be overstated, and it continues to be recognized as a remarkable turboprop aircraft that has left an enduring mark on aviation history.














There is also still more the Saab 340 can offer,  the manufacturer recently unveiled the first Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, handing over the first of the type to the Polish authorities at a ceremony in Linköping on 29th September. 

The Saab 340 AEW is equipped with the Erieye radar and will provide Poland’s Armed Forces with a national asset to reinforce territorial integrity and national security.  Saab 340 AEW, together with associated ground equipment, provides a detailed situational picture that can be used for military and civilian tasks including air surveillance and rescue operations. 

Different configurations of Saab’s Erieye AEW/AEW&C system have been sold to nine countries, making it one of the most widely used airborne surveillance systems in the world. 

“We are honoured to provide this important capability to Poland and proud to be quickly progressing towards the delivery of this airborne early warning system to the Polish Armed Forces,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.




02 October, 2023

Saab unveils first airborne surveillance system for Poland

Saab 2000 Erieye is a complete AEW&C system with multi-role and multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil needs. It gives you the power of a national asset to reinforce territorial integrity and national security.
Saab has presented the first Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to the customer during a ceremony in Linköping. The event took place in Linköping on 29 September, just two months after Poland placed an order for two AEW aircraft.

Guests from Sweden and Poland attended the event, which marked a milestone towards the rapidly proceeding delivery to Poland of the Saab 340 AEW equipped with the Erieye radar. The solution will provide Poland’s Armed Forces with a national asset to reinforce territorial integrity and national security.

The fast pace is a result of the efficient collaboration between Saab and the Polish Armed Forces and the fact that Saab has an ongoing production line for airborne early warning solutions. This includes dedicated personnel and in-house expertise to perform all kinds of tests and evaluations for the necessary approval of the systems. 

“We are honoured to provide this important capability to Poland and proud to be quickly progressing towards the delivery of this airborne early warning system to the Polish Armed Forces,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

Saab 340 AEW, together with associated ground equipment, provides a detailed situational picture that can be used for military and civilian tasks including air surveillance and rescue operations. 

Different configurations of Saab’s Erieye AEW/AEW&C system have been sold to nine countries, making it one of the most widely used airborne surveillance systems in the world. 

Based on the larger Saab 2000 aircraft....


Early detection and warning

Early In an ongoing operation, every second is vital in order to gain information superiority. Decisions and actions based on real-time information are crucial and demand systems that offer long-range high situational awareness in air and at sea.

Saab 2000 Erieye is a complete AEW&C system with multi-role and multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil needs. It gives you the power of a national asset to reinforce territorial integrity and national security.

Multi-mission capability

• Airborne early warning & control (AEW&C)
• Air policing
• Air and sea surveillance radar including intelligence
• Surveillance and control of national borders, assets and economic zones
• Search and rescue

Rapid airborne mobility combined with long range early warning radar
Flying at high altitude, Erieye covers a much wider area than a conventional ground-based sensor system does. The effective surveillance area is over 500,000 sq. km horizontally and over 60,000 ft. vertically. Sea coverage is only limited by the horizon and everything from fighter aircraft, hovering helicopters, cruise missiles and Jet Ski-sized sea targets can be detected and tracked. The system delivers a reliable flow of precise information, irrespective of atmospheric and clutter conditions.

Proven Erieye radar

The radar is based on Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, enabling the radar energy to be adjusted according to the situation – it can be used over an extensive area or concentrated within a smaller prioritised area. The radar detects and tracks objects
quickly with high precision and a high update rate. S-band technology ensures top performance in all weather conditions.

05 September, 2022

Regional U.S. carrier Silver Airways says goodbye to SAAB 340B from operations.

After operating the type for ten years, Silver Airways and Seaborne said goodbye to the SAAB 340 last week as they retire the type from operational duties.
Photo Silver Airways 


After operating the type for ten years, Silver Airways and Seaborne said goodbye to the SAAB 340 last week as they retire the type from operational duties.

Silver Airways operates daily scheduled flights between gateways in the Southeast U.S., Florida and The Bahamas. Its headquarters are in Fort Lauderdale with a maintenance facility based at Orlando International Airport.

In the summer of 2018, Silver completed the acquisition of Seaborne Airlines, a San Juan, Puerto Rico-based air carrier serving destinations throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other countries in the Caribbean. Seaborne provides connections throughout the Caribbean via the carrier’s hub in San Juan, while also serving as the most critical link between St. Croix and St. Thomas with the carrier’s seaplane operation.

Silver’s new ATR aircraft have now replaced the fleet of venerable SAAB 340s which played a key role in establishing the airline as a boutique and now regional carrier with a growing network and ambitious expansion plans. 

The Saab 340 was the workhorse of Silver’s fleet from 2012 to 2019, before being phased out and replaced by the newer and larger ATR 600 series aircraft. During its time in service, the Saab rewarded millions of passengers with spectacular views of the Florida coastline and the mesmerizing blue waters of the Bahamas.






09 August, 2022

WestJet to start a new service between Penticton and Vancouver

WestJet enhances intra-B.C. connectivity with a new service between Penticton and Vancouver



Canadian carrier WestJet has confirmed it will be starting a new route between Penticton, B.C., and Vancouver beginning in February of 2023. The route will strengthen critical intra-provincial connectivity for British Columbians and local businesses and is scheduled to operate six-times weekly on WestJet Link.

"The addition of new intra-provincial routes is critical as we invest in our presence in the West and look to strengthen our offerings to ensure British Columbians have more access to convenient and affordable air travel," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. "This new route marks the initial steps in our renewed commitment to B.C., and will open up connections and opportunities for local businesses and residents as they recover from the difficult past few years."

12 May, 2022

Ameriflight Expands Fleet with Fifteen Saab 340B Aircraft from Jetstream


Ameriflight and Jetstream Aviation Capital have partnered on the lease and delivery of 15 Saab 340B(F) cargo aircraft in another step forward in a multifaceted corporate strategy shift for Ameriflight.

The first aircraft are intended to join the Ameriflight operation in the fourth quarter of this year. This latest fleet type will be used to support unprecedented demand for the company’s services, including Ameriflight’s expedited supply chain services, dedicated operations, and regional feeder service for the world’s largest overnight express carriers.

After careful analysis of many platforms and the exploration of multiple aircraft, the company landed on the Saab 340B as an excellent fit for the operation, noting the aircraft’s exceptional safety record and compelling operating economics.




Founded in 1968, Ameriflight has grown from a small air charter and cargo service carrier to an international operator with 14 bases, 1,500 weekly departures, and 200 destinations. The company is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has more than 500 employees including over 150 pilots and over 100 aircraft. Ameriflight provides feeder services for overnight express carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL. 

“We are proud to partner with Jetstream on the venture of operating the Saab 340B at Ameriflight. This aircraft offers the market the best combination of cubic capacity and cost, which will be best suited for our customers and their increasing needs for years to come,” said Ameriflight Chief Executive Officer Paul Chase. “Expanding our fleet and ultimately our business is a great opportunity not only for our customers but for our hardworking employees on the front line, as well.”

“We are pleased that Ameriflight, one of our longest-standing customers, has selected the Saab 340B freighter to be provided by Jetstream,” said Jetstream Chief Executive Officer Stuart Klaskin. “The 340B's combination of operational capability, economic efficiency, and ongoing support from our partners at Saab for the airframe and General Electric for the engine continue to make this the aircraft of choice for express and integrator-support cargo operators worldwide. It is our privilege to welcome Ameriflight to the Saab 340 community.”

 

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18 April, 2019

Silver Airways’ “Kazoo” takes to the skies!


Photo Silver Airways
As the new official airline of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Floridian Silver Airways, the leading airline of the I-10 Gulf Coast region, unveiled the first themed aircraft for a Double-A Minor League baseball team.

The Saab 350 with a bright new livery has been named after the  Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ mascot, “Kazoo” and rolled out of the carriers Orlando maintenance hangar today and made its maiden flight to Pensacola International Airport where it was unveiled to the ball team and the local community.


03 April, 2019

Silver Airways to resume Bar Harbor – Boston flights

Silver Airways is returning to Bar Harbor, Maine for the peak summer season with daily nonstop service between Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) from Memorial Day weekend through Labour Day.

“On behalf of the hardworking men and women of Silver Airways, we couldn’t be more thrilled to deliver yet another season of safe, exceptional operational performance for business and leisure travellers flying between Bar Harbor and Boston and beyond.”

During last year’s summer season, Silver Airways carried out an impressive 100 percent controllable completion factor, as well as arrivals well over 80 percent on the Bar Harbor – Boston route.

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