Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has retired its Saab 340 fleet after more than 24 years of operating the type.
Flight LM340 (named after the Swedish-made aircraft) retraced the flight path of the first-ever Loganair Saab 340 flight, flying from Scotland’s Kirkwall to Inverness before coming in to land at Glasgow Airport. It also commemorated the 41st anniversary of the first Saab 340 flight worldwide.
Loganair is replacing its Saabs with the new ATR turboprop aircraft. Larger, quieter and more efficient, the ATR fleet ‘will also help to boost the resilience of Loganair as there is greater availability of pilots licensed to fly the aircraft’.
“Loganair has been a valued customer and operator of Saab regional aircraft for a quarter of a century,” said Kent Lindgren, vice president, sales and marketing of Saab regional aircraft. “Flying in some of the world’s most harshest environments, Loganair’s operation has been of immense value to Saab, both as a testament to the quality of the platforms and for the technical feedback this has given us”.
CEO of Loganair Jonathan Hinkles commented that although he was “personally very sad to see these aircraft go,” he added: “We look forward to introducing out new ATR fleet to our customers, who will love the space and comfort they offer”.