In a growing market in the face of continuing capacity constraints to absorb additional demand, the Saab 2000 will be the latest passenger-to-freighter conversion project. The need for new options opens up a new life for the Saab 2000, the larger version of the Swedish turboprop.
The design work, configuration, and associated parts production of the Saab 2000 is led by TAM, Täby Air Maintenance, based in Örebro, Sweden. The conversion project is in collaboration with launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC based in Miami, Florida.
See also: Täby Air Maintenance received 8 orders for the conversion of Saab 340 aircraft to freighters.
In a growing market and in the face of continuing capacity constraints to absorb additional demand, the Saab 2000 will be the latest project to convert airliners to freighters. The need for new options opens up a new life for the Saab 2000, the largest version of the Swedish turboprop.
The design, configuration and associated parts production work on the Saab 2000 is being led by TAM, Täby Air Maintenance, based in Örebro, Sweden. The conversion project is in collaboration with launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital, LLC based in Miami, Florida.
The Saab 2000 Cargo will feature six net-divided cargo bays in addition to the factory-fitted cargo compartments, where all bays will meet 9G approval requirements.
The total cargo volume will be 55.4 m3 / 1960 cu ft, with a floor load limit of 730 kg / m2 / 150 lbs / sq ft and a maximum target payload of 6,622 kg / 14,600 lbs with an operating range of 930 NM.
For operations under US FAR Part 135, the maximum payload will be limited to 3,402 kg / 7,500 lbs, with a range of 1,530 NM.
The first aircraft is planned to be ready in the first quarter of 2022, including obtaining EASA and FAA approval by the end of March.
«The Saab 2000 in Cargo configuration will offer regional cargo operators the best overall performance, cargo weight, and volume value proposition in the market,» says Donald Kamenz of Jetstream Aviation Capital.
«TAM is currently working on additional cargo management solutions to enhance the overall application of the larger Saab 2000 volume for U.S. FAR Part 135 and FAR Part 121 operators,» summarizes Donald Kamenz.
His younger sibling, the Saab 340, has been certified as a freighter version since 2005. According to Ch-Aviation, there are 38 aircraft currently in operation, with Airest and IBC Airways being the largest operators with 9 aircraft each. It has a market value starting at USD 1.19 million or via leasing from USD 23,000 per month.
See also: The first Saab 340B+ converted into a freighter was presented.
«Based on our extensive experience in converting dozens of Saab 340 passenger aircraft into cargo configuration, we are very confident that we can meet any challenge to certify and convert that this larger and highly capable aircraft can offer,» said Pär Gulle, Managing Director of TAM.
A brief history of the Saab 2000
Since its entry into service in 1992, 63 aircraft have been manufactured and it has the capacity to carry up to 58 passengers. It is one of the fastest turboprops in the industry, reaching some 665 km/h, thanks to Rolls Royce Allison AE 2100 engines, being also the launch customer of the same. The powerplant is also used by the C-130J «Super Hercules» and C-27J «Spartan».
Given the low sales, Saab decided to cut production in 1999. Its largest customer was Crossair which operated up to 34 aircraft. Currently, there are only 15 operational aircraft, Pakistan Air Force has active 7 AEW & C, control and early warning variant equipped with electronically scanned array radar.
According to Ch-aviation, the model has an initial value of USD 2.82 million or via leasing starting at USD 35,000 per month.
