Saab Aircraft is working on a service bulletin (SB) to launch a freighter version of the 340 within the year as Saab Aircraft Leasing (SAL) looks to broaden the regional turboprop's applications, including increased use in the US and European markets as corporate shuttles.
The 340 freighter modification follows in the wake of similar conversions already being offered for the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and ATR 42. "We want to do the same. Why we've not yet done it is that the passenger business employs most of our aircraft," says Michael Magnusson, SAL president.
Northwest Airlink carrier Mesaba Airlines previously indicated interest in converting 20-35 of its fleet of 340s to freighters, to serve the express parcel market. The Minneapolis-based carrier has one of the largest US fleets of 340s with 73 aircraft in operation. Northwest-owned Express I has 29 of the 34-seat turboprops.
Saab has opted to pursue a SB rather than a more expensive supplemental type certification by retaining the aircraft's existing 1.32 x 1.35m (52in x 53in) aft door rather than fitting a new cargo door. Saab claims that the concept has "basically been defined" and that its is now evaluating potential partners.
Modifications include removing passenger cabin sidewalls, installing 9g retaining nets and adding fire detection and retardant systems. The aircraft will be able to carry up to 3,632kg (8,000lb) of freight, though Magnusson adds that in the express freight business, the aircraft volume would likely be full before reaching this payload.
Meanwhile SAL is finding increased demand for use of the 340 as corporate shuttles. Colgan Air has begun operating a service for America On-Line between Washington Dulles and New York Teterboro airport and plans to add two more 340s to its fleet of eight aircraft this year. Golden Air of Sweden is similarly looking to add more 340s, following a contract from Volvo to fly between Gothenburg and Cologne.
Source: Flight International
