Saab Displays New Executive 340

Saab is already famed for its executive automobiles (even if the Swedish company's motoring brand is owned by General Motors). Now Saab Aircraft Leasing (SAL) is getting into the executive air transport market, with the unveiling here at NBAA of a corporate-configured Saab 340A.

The Saab 340 has staked its claim as one of the most popular regional turboprop airliners ever built. Now SAL, and its partner Piedmont Hawthorne, have developed a 27- to 33-seat business-class shuttle version, with leather seats and a full-service galley.

The aircraft is on show here (Static 40) and SAL hopes that it will be the first of a new breed of corporate shuttles, derived from the Saab 340A and 340B.

"For nearly two decades, the Saab 340A and 340B have enjoyed immense popularity in scheduled revenue service with airline operators and customers worldwide," said SAL president Michael Magnusson. "We, in alliance with widely respected Piedmont Hawthorne, believe that a specially configured derivative of the Saab 340 will have similar success in the general aviation segment of our industry.

"Saab is delighted to be tapping this growing market with a company that has demonstrated strong expertise in all facets of business aviation-corporate sales, MRO, FBO and charter operations."

By Robert Hewson