SAAB AIRCRAFT, which forced Business Express into bankruptcy court early this year over a $20 million debt, "-has been approached by parties interested in taking over the regional airline", says Michael Magnusson, Saab's senior US-based sales executive.
"We are confident that someone will take it over. A couple of good groups have emerged with various associations to major airlines," Magnusson adds. Although it maintains a good core business, Business Express "-over-expanded and accumulated too much debt", he says. The airline operates 37 Saab 340s, of which 32 are subleased from Fairbrook Leasing, a Saab Aircraft subsidiary.
Despite the problems at Business Express, Saab continues to sell the Saab 340 in North America. In March, Mesaba Airlines agreed to acquire up to 72 Saab 340s to replace its 51-strong fleet of 19-seat Fairchild Metro IIIs and 37-seat de Havilland Dash 8-100s. The deal includes the acquisition of 20 used 340As, a firm order for 30 new 340BPlus, and options for an additional 22 aircraft (new or used). Mesaba is evaluating 50-seaters, such as the Saab 2000, but plans to stay with the 34-seat 340 for now.
Magnusson is optimistic that customers in North America will buy 100 Saab 2000s over the next five years.
Source: Flight International
