SAS Commuter expects to finalise its selection of new turboprop aircraft by early September, to enable it to place orders for up to 30 aircraft.
Airline chief executive Ole Pedersen says that the competition is between the Aero International (Regional)(AI(R)) ATR 42/72 and Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8 family.
The aircraft could supplement or replace its 22 Fokker 50s and four Saab 2000s. Several regional types are also operated within the main SAS fleet, including five Saab 340s and 16 Fokker F28 Mk4000s.
"We have a requirement for 30 aircraft, with a mix of 50- and 70-seaters. This could be made up entirely of new aircraft, but could include the Fokker 50s, which we may retain," says Pedersen. One option being considered would be for the airline to place an order for 15 50-seaters and 15 70-seaters. Aircraft are needed from mid-1999.
The airline is studying bids from AI(R) for a mix of ATR 42-500s and ATR 72-210As, and from Bombardier, which is offering the Dash 8-300 and -400. While the airline says that it is "-following the market for regional-jet aircraft", it explains that it needs an aircraft for shorter routes, where it believes the turboprop has the advantage.
A regional-jet purchase in the longer term is not ruled out, and it is understood that one option in Bombardier's bid includes the Canadair Regional Jet.
Source: Flight International
