As Loganair Limited bids adieu to Saab 340s, the European passenger experience aboard this iconic propeller-driven aircraft grows increasingly rare. Unless you opt for passenger charters, limited options remain, such as Trade Air's PSO flights in Croatia, and Diamond Sky flights in Estonia, both operated by SprintAir ; Aeroitalia flights from Ancona by RAF-AVIA, or Västflyg flights in Sweden operated by NyxAir OÜ.
Without public service obligation routes, the scheduled service market for these 30-seaters faces uncertainty. The robust train and road infrastructure, coupled with larger aircraft capacities at lower operating costs on similar routes, exert significant pressure on the regional aviation segment.
Yet, regions like Australia and Canada heavily rely on the Saab 340, showcasing its indispensable role.
Recently, I had the privilege to discuss this with Lim Kim Hai, Chairman of Regional Express Holdings Limited. He highlighted the challenges facing traditional scheduled regional flying using Saab 340Bs, citing acute pilot shortages, supply chain hurdles (especially engine availability), slender profit margins, and competition from larger operators. This shift prompted them to diversify into businesses like aeromedical and fly-in-fly-out, both tender-based.
But, despite the resilience displayed by this aircraft, there's no immediate replacement solution for the aging 30-seaters. The introduction of the Deutsche Aircraft D328eco is yet to happen, and it seems all this is suggesting a potential pivot towards 40-seater capacities in regional routes.
Any thoughts on what the regional market future will look like? (And when was your last Saab 340 flight? Mine was "a while ago", with Carpatair 😅 )
#RegionalAviation #avgeek #Saab340 #AviationChallenges #FutureOfFlight
Account Executive @ Loop
1moI already know you’re phone is ringing off the hook Jordan Greenberg. Looks that semester abroad in the UK paid off!!