SASCOMMUTER confirms that it plans to sign a $350 million deal for 15 Bombardier de Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops, plus 18 options, representing the largest single order to date for the Canadian manufacturer's new high-speed 70-seat aircraft.
The Dash 8-400 selection will fill a gap between the mainline SAS fleet, starting at 100 seats with the new Boeing 737-600, and the existing SASCommuter fleet of 50-seat aircraft (Flight International, 27 August-2 September). The low-cost regional airline has ambitions to grow the fleet up to 40-45 aircraft over the next five years as it takes on new routes and frequencies.
The next big fleet decision for the airline rests on which aircraft will form the basis of its 50-seat requirement. The present fleet is based on 22 Fokker 50s, but the airline belatedly signed up for four Saab 2000s a year ago and has since ordered another two.
The deal with Bombardier includes an option to switch some of the Dash 8-400 positions for the smaller -300s. Saab, however, remains confident that its 2000 can retain its position in the fleet, with an order for as many as another ten aircraft in prospect some time over the next year or so.
Source: Flight International
