Mesaba Airlines has firmed up its remaining 22 options for new and used Saab 340s, which will extend Saab's airliner production into late 1998.
The Minneapolis-based airline will take delivery of 19 new Saab 340B Plus between February and December 1998, plus three used Saab 340As. The Northwest Airlink is still taking both new and used 340s as part of the commitment in March 1996 for 30 new 340B Plus and 23 secondhand 340As, and its eventual Saab 340 fleet will total 72 aircraft. The airline's original agreement for nine used 340 options was modified to apply instead to new aircraft.
The Mesaba 340 order, along with the expected order from Crossair for six more Saab 2000s, means that Saab is committed to continue production of the two types through to late 1998. The manufacturer is still expected to make a decision soon on whether to terminate all turboprop production.
Source: Flight International
