View source for Saab 340

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{short description|Regional airliner}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Saab 340
| image = File:Saab 340 G-LGNC IMG 3425 (11712072893).jpg
| caption = Saab 340 operated by [[Loganair]] for [[Flybe (1979–2020)|Flybe]]
| type = [[Regional airliner#Turboprop regional aircraft|Turboprop regional airliner]]
| national_origin = Sweden and United States
| manufacturer = [[Saab AB]]
| first_flight = 25 January 1983
| introduction = 1984
| status = Out of production, In service
| primary_user = [[Rex Airlines]]
| more_users = <!-- Please limit to 3 other users as per MOS -->
| produced = 1983–1999
| number_built = 459
| variants = [[Saab 340 AEW&C]]
| developed_into = [[Saab 2000]]
}}

The '''Saab''' '''340''' (also '''Saab SF340''') <ref>{{Cite web |title=Saab SF340 |url=https://www.businessairnews.com/hb_aircraftpage.html?recnum=SF340 |access-date=16 July 2025 |publisher=[[Business Air News]] |archive-date=25 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825001356/https://www.businessairnews.com/hb_aircraftpage.html?recnum=SF340 |url-status=live }}</ref> is a Swedish twin-engine [[turboprop]] aircraft designed and initially produced by [[Saab AB]] and [[Fairchild Aircraft]]. It is designed to seat 30–36 passengers and, as of July 2018, there were 240 operational aircraft used by 34 different operators.

Under the production arrangement in which production was split 65:35 between Saab and Fairchild, Saab constructed the all-aluminum [[fuselage]] and [[vertical stabilizer]] along with final assembly of the aircraft in [[Linköping]], Sweden, while Fairchild was responsible for the [[wing]]s, [[empennage]], and wing-mounted [[nacelle]]s for the two turboprop engines. After Fairchild ceased this work in 1985, production of these components was transferred to Sweden.

On 25 January 1983, the Saab 340 conducted its [[maiden flight]]. During the early 1990s, an enlarged derivative of the airliner, designated as the [[Saab 2000]], was introduced. However, sales of the 340 and 2000 aircraft declined due to intense competition within the regional aircraft market, and Saab was forced to cease production of both aircraft in the late 1990s due to financial losses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saab 340 history |url=http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124072827/http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=347 |archive-date=24 November 2009 |access-date=20 November 2009 |publisher=[[Airliners.net]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

== Development ==
[[File:Mesaba Airlines Saab 340 (3372416219).jpg|thumb|2+1 passenger cross-section.]]

=== Origins ===
During the 1970s, Swedish aircraft manufacturer [[Saab AB]] became increasingly interested in the civil aircraft market.<ref name="Eliasson 88 89">Eliasson 2010, pp. 88–89.</ref> In 1974, the company decided to proceed with developing its first major civilian aircraft, having previously focused almost entirely upon military aircraft. During the late 1970s, internal studies had determined that a [[Flight length#Shortest commercial flight|short-haul]] airliner should be optimized to seat around 30 passengers.<ref name="Eliasson 81 88">Eliasson 2010, pp. 80–81, 88.</ref> Likewise, it was decided to make use of [[turboprop]] propulsion, which was slower but more economical than [[turbofan]] engines, and to optimize the airliner to take advantage of this type of powerplant; this decision may have been influenced by high oil prices during that decade, such as the [[1973 oil crisis]]. According to author Gunnar Eliasson, the selection of a turboprop engine made the type less attractive to airlines than jet-powered competitors, however recognized that the [[General Electric T700|General Electric CT7-5A2]] engine picked was quite competitive with the jet engines of that era.<ref name="Eliasson 89" /> As conceived, the airliner was to match the performance of jets within its short-haul role.<ref name="Eriksson">Eriksson, Sören and Harm-Jan Steenhuis. ''The Global Commercial Aviation Industry''. Routledge, 2015. {{ISBN|1-1366-7239-7}}. p. 51-53</ref>

Towards the end of the 1970s, the regional airliner venture had become the largest industrial venture in Sweden and was recognized as being too large for Saab to conduct alone.<ref name="Eliasson 89">Eliasson 2010, p. 89.</ref> Accordingly, in January 1980, it was announced that Saab had entered into a partnership arrangement with US manufacturer [[Fairchild Aircraft]] to develop and produce the upcoming regional airliner.<!--ref name=Eriksson/--> Under this partnership, Fairchild became responsible for the manufacture of sections such as the wings, tail unit, and engine nacelles while Saab was responsible for 75 per cent of the costs of development, system integration and [[Type certificate|certification]].<ref name="Eriksson" /> To match the new partnership, the type received the designation of ''SF340''.<ref name="Eliasson 89" /> The decision to develop a new generation regional airliner had fortuitously coincided with the removal of control by the [[Federal government of the United States|US federal government]] under the 1978 [[Airline Deregulation Act]], an event which would notably contribute to sales of the type during the following decade.<ref name="Eliasson 88 89" />

The 340 shared several manufacturing and design techniques that were used in Saab's military aircraft, such as the then in-development [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] [[multirole combat aircraft]]. One such technique was eliminating the use of [[rivet]]s on the aluminum structures, using [[diffusion bonding]] instead, to reduce weight.<ref name="Eliasson 89 90">Eliasson 2010, pp. 89–90.</ref> On 25 January 1983, the first SF340 performed its [[maiden flight]]. Shortly following its launch onto the market in 1984, the Saab 340 became the best selling commuter aircraft in the world.<ref name="Eliasson 68">Eliasson 2010, p. 68.</ref> By 1987, all activity by Fairchild on the programme had ceased, the US company having chosen to curtail its aircraft activities, thus Saab became solely responsible for producing the 340.<ref name="Eriksson" />

=== Further development ===
[[File:SE-ISE Saab 340 Nextjet VBY.jpg|thumb|Planform view showing [[straight wing]]]]

In 1985, due to Fairchild's decision to exit the aircraft manufacturing business following the completion of the first 40 units, Saab dropped the Fairchild name from the project and proceeded to continue aircraft production, referring to the type under the designation ''Saab 340A''. A total of 159 A models were manufactured. In 1989, an improved version of the airliner, the second generation ''340B'', introduced more powerful engines and wider [[horizontal stabilizer]]s; later production 340Bs also featured an [[active noise control]] system. A total of 200 aircraft were built. In 1994, the final third generation version, the ''340B Plus'', was delivered for service and incorporated improvements that were being introduced at the same time upon the larger [[Saab 2000]], itself a derivative of the 340. A total of 100 aircraft were completed, adding up to a total of 300 B models. The Saab 340 typically seated between 30 and 36 passengers, with 34 seats being the most common configuration. The last two 340s built were constructed as older configuration 36-seat aircraft for [[Japan Air Commuter]].

One of the major improvements introduced in the ''340B Plus'' was the installation of an [[active noise control|active noise]] and [[active vibration control|vibration control]] system in the cabin, reducing noise and vibration levels by about ten [[Decibel|dB]] during cruising flight. This optional feature carried over from the 340B was standard in the 340B Plus along with extended wingtips which was an option on the 340B, about 30 aircraft having the WT option.<ref>Halvorsen W. and Emborg U., "Interior Noise Control of the Saab 340." ''SAE Technical Paper 891080'', 1989.</ref> Another change from earlier models was a more modern interior design and the moving of the lavatory compartment from the aft of the passenger cabin to just aft of the flight deck in most 3rd generation units. This increased total available cargo volume as the original location intruded into the cargo bin area. While the active noise control became standard on all Saab 340Bs in 1994, the first-ever 340B Plus (third B+ built) was delivered new to [[Hazelton Airlines]] in [[Australia]] in 1995, later operating for [[Rex Airlines]], and currently for the [[Japan]]ese [[Japan Coast Guard|Coast Guard]]. The system could also be retrofitted onto existing airliners.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/quiet-cabin-retrofit-for-saab-340s-42272/ "Quiet cabin retrofit for Saab 340s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093644/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/quiet-cabin-retrofit-for-saab-340s-42272/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''[[Flight International]]'', 9 September 1998.</ref>

During 1997, Saab was releasing pessimistic press releases on the 340 programme, stating that it was considering the potential closure of production line, but also pledged that it would maintain full support to existing customers if this happened.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-out-but-fokker-in-30126/ "Saab out but Fokker in?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220171151/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-out-but-fokker-in-30126/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 1 December 1997.</ref><ref>Martin, Mike. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-pledges-not-to-let-customers-down-29551/ "Saab pledges not to let customers down."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093039/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-pledges-not-to-let-customers-down-29551/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 18 November 1997.</ref> On 24 December 1997, Saab announced that it had decided to terminate production of the 340 and 2000 models, which it claimed had lost SKr3 billion ($386.4 million) in the previous three years.<ref name=":0">Jeziorsk, Andrzej. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-decides-to-terminate-turboprop-products-30966/ "Saab decides to terminate turboprop products."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220092815/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-decides-to-terminate-turboprop-products-30966/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 24 December 1997.</ref> By late 1998, as production was being slowed down towards an eventual shut down, Saab stated that it had been holding talks with a number of interested parties, reportedly including Indian and Chinese companies, on the potential sale of the 340 production line to another manufacturer.<ref>Kingsley-Jones, Max. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-winds-down-turboprop-production-as-talks-contin-42800/ "Saab winds down turboprop production as talks continue."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093444/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-winds-down-turboprop-production-as-talks-contin-42800/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 16 September 1998.</ref> On 8 June 1999, the final 340 was delivered, by which time nearly 460 aircraft had been delivered.<ref name="Eriksson" /> Production of all models of the 340 was terminated in 1999, and Saab ultimately decided to cease all [[civil aviation|civil aircraft]] production in 2005.

According to Eliasson, the decision to power the type using turboprop engines rather that jet engines had been provided as one of the reasons for Saab deciding to close down the project; another major factor had been the increasingly competitive and politicized regional airliner market in which various competing airlines were alleged to have substantially benefited from government [[subsidies]], while the Swedish government were unwilling to make such commitments to Saab's civil projects.<ref name="Eliasson 89 264">Eliasson 2010, pp. 89, 264.</ref> According to authors Sören Eriksson and Harm-Jan Steenhuis, while the 340 had been faster than jet-powered competitors such as the [[Fokker 100]] and [[British Aerospace 146]], it had no clear advantage in terms of payload or range; as the regional airliner market became increasingly crowded, newer types such as the [[Bombardier CRJ200]] and [[Embraer ERJ 145 family]], which did have an advantage over the 340, had led to diminished sales.<ref name="Eriksson" />

=== Derivatives ===
[[File:S 100B at Malmen 2010-06-13 2.jpg|thumb|[[Saab 340 AEW&C]] with [[Erieye]] radar]]

During the early 1980s, Sweden's [[Defence Materiel Administration]] (FMV) requested that [[Ericsson]], a Swedish electronics company, develop a suitable [[radar]] for an [[airborne early warning]] (AEW) system.<ref name="Eliasson 132">Eliasson 2010, p. 132.</ref> The corresponding system was soon paired with the 340 as a platform. Several military variants of the type were produced, including the ''[[Saab 340 AEW&C]], 340AEW-200'' & ''340AEW-300'', which are AEW and airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft.

During the 2010s, Saab promoted the 340 in the [[maritime patrol aircraft|maritime patrol]] mission. A specialized variant of the aircraft, designated as the ''340 MSA'', was mooted; the proposed patrol aircraft is to be equipped with various sensors and combat systems to be capable of performing both anti-surface and [[anti-submarine warfare]], as well as [[signals intelligence]] and long range [[search and rescue]] operations.<ref>Taylor, Ellis. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-waiting-for-uk-maritime-patrol-det-401655/ "FARNBOROUGH: Saab waiting for UK maritime patrol details."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220092054/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-waiting-for-uk-maritime-patrol-det-401655/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 17 July 2014.</ref> In June 2014, Anders Dahl, head of Saab Singapore, gave a presentation on the 340MSA, and observed that several nations were in talks with Saab on the type, as well as there being increasing demand for such maritime patrol aircraft in Southeast Asia.<ref>Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-makes-southeast-asia-maritime-surveillance-push-400090/ "Saab makes Southeast Asia maritime surveillance push."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220013656/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-makes-southeast-asia-maritime-surveillance-push-400090/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 5 June 2014.</ref>

== Operational history ==
On 6 June 1984, the Saab 340's launch customer, Swiss operator [[Crossair]], received its first 340 aircraft.<!--ref name=Eriksson/--> One week later, the type performed its first flight with paying customers on board; passengers on board this flight included [[Pope John Paul II]].<ref name="Eriksson" />

During 1989, US regional airline [[American Eagle (airline brand)|American Eagle]] placed a large order for the type, procuring a total of 50 340Bs along with options for an additional 50 aircraft.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6cC-eWQx5Q4C&pg=PA16 "Regional Airlines: Green Lights, Big Orders."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220013813/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6cC-eWQx5Q4C&pg=PA16 |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flying Magazine'', August 1989. Vol. 116, No. 8. ISSN 0015-4806. p. 16.</ref> However, business conditions and demand for turboprop-powered regional airliner transformed dramatically during the 1990s; this can be perhaps best summarized by AMR Eagle's decision in October 1999 to announce its intention to phase out its 340 fleet.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/american-eagle-starts-phasing-out-saabs-57329/ "American Eagle starts phasing out Saabs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220094039/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/american-eagle-starts-phasing-out-saabs-57329/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 20 October 1999.</ref> Faced with diminished value and demand for the 340, Saab chose to shutter production in 1999.

While production of the type ceased in 1999, Saab continued to develop and heavily market the 340 for various purposes in both the civil and military markets. In July 2001, the company announced that it had launched a new partnership with service provider Piedmont Hawthorne to remarket used regional 340s to corporate customers.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-starts-new-venture-to-meet-corporate-demand-133755/ "Saab starts new venture to meet corporate demand."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093247/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-starts-new-venture-to-meet-corporate-demand-133755/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 24 July 2001.</ref> In April 2002, it was announced that Canadian company Field Aviation had been contracted by Saab to produce a freighter version of the 340, initially focusing on conversions of the earlier 340A model.<ref>Lewis, Paul. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/field-aviation-starts-work-on-first-saab-340-freight-146895/ "Field Aviation starts work on first Saab 340 freighter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093321/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/field-aviation-starts-work-on-first-saab-340-freight-146895/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 30 April 2002.</ref><ref>Sobie, Brendan. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-340-promoted-for-fedex-regional-freighter-requi-156195/ "Saab 340 promoted for FedEx regional freighter requirement."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093616/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-340-promoted-for-fedex-regional-freighter-requi-156195/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 15 October 2002.</ref>

Even after production was terminated, a large number of 340s have remained in commercial service in the following decades. By 2006, there was a resurgence in demand for turboprop-powered airliners, in part due to the rising [[price of oil]];<ref>Endres, Günter. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/back-to-stay-the-regional-aircraft-market-210252/ "Back to stay: the regional aircraft market."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093515/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/back-to-stay-the-regional-aircraft-market-210252/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 31 October 2006.</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turboprops-are-back-199976/ "Turboprops are back."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220094155/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turboprops-are-back-199976/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 28 June 2005.</ref> during this year, Saab announced the largest ever leasing deal for the 340, providing a total of 25 340s to Australian operator [[Rex Airlines]].<ref>Learmount, David. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turboprops-resurgent-in-european-market-209612/ "Turboprops resurgent in European market."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093146/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/turboprops-resurgent-in-european-market-209612/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 3 October 2006.</ref> By late 2010, Saab was evaluating the option of extending the certified lifespan of the 340 which, under the Maintenance Review Board program, is typically limited to 60,000 hours; the company believes the maintenance program could be extended to accommodate up to a 75,000 hour limit.<ref>Bonnassies, Olivier. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-considers-340-cycle-programme-extension-348169/ "Saab considers 340 cycle programme extension."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220171602/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-considers-340-cycle-programme-extension-348169/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 6 October 2010.</ref>

The existing aircraft have remained relatively active and competitive into the following decade. In late 2008, following a [[Mergers and acquisitions|merger]] between US carriers [[Northwest Airlines]] and [[Delta Air Lines]], the latter announced that a new Saab 340 base was being formed in [[Atlanta]], after which the merged airline would replace its inventory of 12 [[ATR 72]]s in its regional fleet with 49 former Northwest 340s.<ref>Sobie, Brendan. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/delta-plans-to-open-saab-340-base-at-atlanta-hub-317252/ "Delta plans to open Saab 340 base at Atlanta hub."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093812/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/delta-plans-to-open-saab-340-base-at-atlanta-hub-317252/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 13 October 2008.</ref> During early 2009, Russian operator [[Polet Flight]] conducted talks with American Eagle to lease 25 340s to increase its breadth of regional flights.<ref>Zaitsev, Tom. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/russias-polet-in-talks-to-lease-25-saab-340s-324893/ "Russia's Polet in talks to lease 25 Saab 340s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093545/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/russias-polet-in-talks-to-lease-25-saab-340s-324893/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 8 April 2009.</ref>

== Variants ==
[[File:Saab 340A (SP-KPV) of SprintAir arrives Birmingham Airport, England 27June2019 arp.jpg|thumb|[[SprintAir]] freighter with obstructed windows]]
[[File:JA953A (6977308911).jpg|thumb|Japan Coast Guard [[search and rescue|SAR]] variant with ventral radome]]

; {{visible anchor|Saab 340A}}
: 30- to 36-seat commuter airliner, powered by two 1,735shp (1215kW) General-Electric CT7-5A2 turboprop engines. (340A-001 to 340A-159) available in passenger, VIP and cargo.
; {{visible anchor|Saab 340AF}}
: A modified commercial cargo version of the Saab 340A. Launch customer was [[Castle Aviation]] in 2004.
; {{visible anchor|Saab 340B}}
: 33- to 36-seat commuter airliner, powered by two 1,870shp (1394kW) General-Electric CT7-9B turboprop engines. (340B-160 to 340B-359)
; {{visible anchor|Saab 340BF}}
: A modified commercial cargo version of the Saab 340B
; Saab Tp 100
: VIP transport version of the Saab 340B and B Plus for the [[Swedish Air Force]].
; Saab Tp 100A
: VIP transport version of the Saab 340B
; Saab OS 100
: Single Tp 100A modified into an [[Treaty on Open Skies|Open Skies]] aircraft.
; Saab 340B Plus
: Improved version of the Saab 340B. Some have extended wingtips. (340B-360 to 340B-459)
; Saab 340B plus SAR-200
: Maritime search and rescue version for the [[Japan Coast Guard]]. Extended Wingtips fitted.
; Saab 340A QC
: Quick-change freight transport version
* TP 100C
;[[Saab 340 AEW&C]] : [[Airborne early warning and control]] (AEW&C) version
; Saab 340 MSA
: Maritime Security Aircraft for multi-role surveillance for detection, classification and identification of maritime contacts and can also be used as a Search-And-Rescue aircraft.<ref>Taylor, Ellis. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-expects-first-340msa-sale-soon-401428/ "FARNBOROUGH: Saab expects first 340MSA sale soon."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220012244/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-expects-first-340msa-sale-soon-401428/ |date=20 February 2017 }} ''Flight International'', 14 July 2014.</ref> Can be fitted with an auxiliary fuel tank for extended operation.
; Saab 340B ISR
: The aircraft fitted for [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] missions also served as a demonstrator for the Saab 340 MSA platform. The 340B ISR variant features an [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]] radar, a [[Wescam]] MX-15 imaging system mounted under the rear fuselage, while an MX-20 system is mounted under the forward fuselage. Since 2019, the sole aircraft is operated by [[CAE Aviation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-06-19/isr-saab-returns-paris|title=ISR Saab Returns To Paris|author=David Donald|website=ainonline.com|date=19 June 2019|access-date=10 May 2025|archive-date=30 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530001423/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-06-19/isr-saab-returns-paris|url-status=live}}</ref>
;B.L.17
:({{langx|th|บ.ล.๑๗}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the Saab 340B.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

A stretched, and significantly faster, derivative of the aircraft, designated as the [[Saab 2000]], was also developed and produced during the 1990s.

== Operators ==
[[File:Regional Express (VH-ZXQ) Saab 340B at Wagga Wagga Airport.jpg|thumb|Saab 340 operated by [[Rex Airlines]] in 2019|alt=Saab 340 operated by Regional Express in 2018]]
{{Main|List of Saab 340 operators}}


As of July 2018, there were 210 Saab 340s in service with 34 operators around the world. Primary operators include [[Rex Airlines]] with 52 aircraft and an additional 3 operated by its subsidiary [[Pel-Air]], [[Silver Airways]] with 21,  [[PenAir]] with 13, [[SprintAir]] with 12, [[Link Airways]] with 11, [[Pacific Coastal Airlines]] with 10, [[Castle Aviation]] with 6 and an additional 2 operated for PuppySpot, and others with fewer aircraft of the type.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WorldAirlineCensus2018.pdf |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/24536 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106212640/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/24536 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |access-date=9 October 2018 |website=[[FlightGlobal]]|language=en-GB}}</ref>{{needs update|date=November 2022}}
[[File:Saab 340D, Pacific Coastal Airlines at YVR.jpg|thumb|Saab 340 by Pacific Coastal Airlines at YVR by Andres Estepa R. ]]

In December 2016, the fleet average is at 35,277 h and 39,446 cycles – a mean 0.89h per flight, less than halfway of its remaining life: the airframe life has been extended from 45,000 to 80,000 flight hours and 90,000 cycles and the Saab 340 should remain in service for another 30 years. Fleet leaders are at 71,268 cycles and 61,867h.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Paul Seidenman and David J. Spanovich |date=1 December 2016 |title=Why Turboprop MRO Is, And Will Remain, Brisk |work=Inside MRO |publisher=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]|url=http://aviationweek.com/mro/why-turboprop-mro-and-will-remain-brisk |url-status=live |access-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221095014/http://aviationweek.com/mro/why-turboprop-mro-and-will-remain-brisk |archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>

Saab Aerotech developed the Saab 340B to meet regional airline operator requirements for the highest possible standard of passenger comfort at minimum cost. A systematic and logical design process resulted in an aircraft with a pressurized cabin, three-abreast seating and two turboprop engines on a low wing. This aircraft is equipped with an onboard lavatory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Aircraft |url=https://www.pacificcoastal.com/2023-aircraft-page/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Pacific Coastal Airlines – Official Website |language=en-US |archive-date=9 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109232405/https://www.pacificcoastal.com/2023-aircraft-page/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Accidents and incidents ==

Between 1983 and 2013, there were 13 hull-loss accidents involving the Saab 340 series aircraft, resulting in the deaths of 48 people.<ref name="ASN_1">{{Cite web |title=Saab 340 Crash Record |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type.php?type=410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624234540/http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type.php?type=410 |archive-date=24 June 2011 |access-date=1 December 2009 |publisher=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref>

=== Accidents with fatalities ===

* 4 April 1994: [[KLM Cityhopper Flight 433]] [[Stall (flight)|stalled]] and struck the ground while returning to [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]]. The pilots incorrectly believed there was a problem with one of their engines. The aircraft broke apart on impact. Three people were killed.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 19 March 1998: [[Formosa Airlines Flight 7623]], a Saab 340B crashed into the ocean 11&nbsp;km off the city of [[Hsinchu]] in [[Taiwan]], caused by electrical fault and disorientation of crew. 13 people killed.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 10 January 2000: After taking off from [[Zürich Airport]], [[Crossair Flight 498]] banked steeply and entered a high-speed spiral dive, crashing into a field in [[Niederhasli]]. All ten people on board were killed.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 18 May 2011: [[Sol Líneas Aéreas Flight 5428]] en route from [[Neuquén]] to [[Comodoro Rivadavia]], a Saab 340A (LV-CEJ), crashed in [[Prahuaniyeu]], Rio Negro Province, Argentina, causing 22 fatalities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 May 2011 |title=Plane crashes in Argentina, 22 dead: hospital |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-plane-crash-idUSTRE74I0N020110519 |url-status=live |access-date=5 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509173508/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/19/us-argentina-plane-crash-idUSTRE74I0N020110519 |archive-date=9 May 2015}}</ref><ref>"[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-plane-crash-idUSTRE74I0N020110519 Passenger plane crashes in Argentina: local TV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153058/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/19/us-argentina-plane-crash-idUSTRE74I0N020110519 |date=2015-09-24 }}." ''[[Reuters]]''. 19 May 2011. Retrieved on 19 May 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Michael |date=19 May 2011 |title=22 Dead in Plane Crash in Argentine Patagonia |work=[[The Guardian]]|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/9652842 |url-status=live |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409093111/http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/9652842 |archive-date=9 April 2014}}</ref>

=== Hull losses ===
* 21 February 1990: The [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] was accidentally retracted on a [[Crossair]] Saab 340A, registration HB-AHA, on the [[Airport ramp|apron]] at [[Zürich Airport]]. No fatalities, aircraft destroyed.<ref name="ASN_1" /> The captain involved (Hans Ulrich Lutz) was killed in [[Crossair Flight 3597]] in 2001.{{cn|date=March 2025}}
* 2 January 1993: [[Pinnacle Airlines|Express Airlines]] Saab 340A crashed hard onto the runway at [[Chisholm-Hibbing Municipal Airport]] due to wing ice accretion. No fatalities, aircraft destroyed.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 14 May 1997: Pilots of Regional Líneas Aéreas 340B landing at [[Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport]] were not aware of runway construction work. Aircraft ploughed through trench, shearing off the undercarriage. No deaths.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 21 March 2000: [[Envoy Air|American Eagle Airlines]] 340B overshot the runway at [[Skylark Field|Killeen Municipal Airport]], crashing into a ditch. No fatalities.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 6 September 2001: [[Aeroméxico Connect|Aerolitoral Airlines]] 340B made an emergency [[belly landing]] in farmland after running out of fuel near the [[Las Palmas River]], in [[Mexico]]. No fatalities. Aircraft written off and scrapped.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 8 June 2005: [[Shuttle America]] 340A, operating as [[United Express]] Airlines reported undercarriage problems on approach to [[Washington Dulles International Airport]]. Undercarriage collapsed on landing, aircraft skidded off the runway, and onto grass. No fatalities, aircraft damaged beyond repair.<ref name="ASN_1" />
* 13 June 2013: [[SkyBahamas Airlines]] Flight 9561 from [[Fort Lauderdale]] to [[Marsh Harbour]] attempted to land on Marsh Harbour's runway 09 but touched down hard, bounced four times until the right wing detached, and veered right, off the runway. The Saab SF-340B came to a stop with the right wing fractured and right main gear collapsed. There were no injuries, but the aircraft incurred substantial damage.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hradecky |first=Simon |date=14 June 2013 |title=Accident: SkyBahamas SF34 at Marsh Harbour on Jun 13th 2013, runway excursion |work=[[The Aviation Herald]] |url=http://avherald.com/h?article=463cfa1c&opt=1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926121602/http://avherald.com/h?article=463cfa1c&opt=1 |archive-date=26 September 2018}}</ref>

== Specifications (340B) ==
[[File:SE-ISE -22 (3574531568).jpg|thumb|Cockpit in flight]]
[[File:FleetAirSaab340CargoCabin.jpg|thumb|upright|Freighter interior]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=SAAB<ref name="SAAB">{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=SAAB 340B |url=https://www.saabaircraftleasing.com/prod/datasheets/340b_jar.pdf |publisher=SAAB |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227180209/https://www.saabaircraftleasing.com/prod/datasheets/340b_jar.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2 pilots
|capacity=34 passengers, Maximum payload : 7500 lb / 3400 kg
|length m=19.73
|span m=21.44
|height m=6.97
|wing area sqm=41.81<ref name="Janes 93 p352–4">Lambert, Mark (ed.). ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}. pp. 352–354.</ref>
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NASA MS(1)-0316]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NASA MS(1)-0312]]<ref name="Selig">{{Cite web |last=Lednicer |first=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |access-date=16 April 2019 |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|empty weight lb=19000
|empty weight note= average operational empty weight
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=29,000
|max takeoff weight note=, increased to 30,000 pounds for 340B models by SAAB Service Bulletin (SB) 340-51-033 with Modification Number 3655
|fuel capacity= 5690 lb / 2580 kg
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[General Electric CT7]]-9B
|eng1 type=[[turboprop]] engines
|eng1 shp=1870
|eng1 note=for take-off (ISA, APR)

|prop blade number=4
|prop name=[[Hamilton Standard]] 14RF19<ref name="Janes 93 p352–4" /> (or [[Dowty Rotol]])
|prop dia m=3.35<ref name="Janes 93 p352–4" />
|prop dia note=four-blade constant speed, fully-feathering reversible propellers<ref name="Janes 93 p352–4" />
<!--
        Performance
-->
|cruise speed kts=283
|range nmi=730
|range note=long range cruise with 34 passengers and baggage
|ceiling m=7620
|climb rate ms=10.2<ref name="Janes 93 p352–4" />
|fuel consumption kg/km={{#expr:870/(500/.54)round2}}<!--870kg for 500 nmi sector @ 0.54km per nmi-->
|more performance=
* '''Take-off distance:''' 4220 ft / 1285 m
|avionics=*Rockwell Collins EFD-86 CRT displays
*Rockwell Collins APS-85 autopilot
*Hamilton Sundstrand Ground Proximity Warning System 
*Rockwell Collins VHF communications unit
*Universal FMS
*Lockheed Martin cockpit voice recorder
*Lockheed Martin flight data recorder
}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Sweden|Aviation}}
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[Saab 340 AEW&C]]
* [[Saab 2000]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia]]
* [[DHC-8]] 100/200
* [[Fokker 50]]
* [[ATR 42]]
* [[Dornier 328]]
* [[BAe Jetstream 41]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of civil aircraft]]
|see also=
}}

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin}}
* Eliasson, Gunnar. ''Advanced Public Procurement as Industrial Policy''. [[Springer Science+Business Media]], 2010. {{ISBN|1-4419-5849-5}}.
{{Refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{commons category inline}}
* {{Cite web |title=Saab Aircraft Leasing |url=http://www.saabaircraftleasing.com/}}
* {{Cite journal |date=1 July 2005 |title=Saab 340 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |publisher=Saab Aircraft AB}}
* [http://www.saab340.com/ saab340.com]{{self-published inline|date=May 2019}}
* Magnusson, Michael. ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20160324195430/http://www.teknikbokhandeln.se/en/books/aviation/saab-340-saab-2000-the-untold-story.html Saab 340 & Saab 2000 – The Untold Story]''. Stockholm, Sweden: Aviatic Förlag, 2014. {{ISBN|978-9186642051}} 
* SF34 accident in 1999: https://skybrary.aero/accidents-and-incidents/sf34-new-york-jfk-usa-1999

{{Saab aircraft}}
{{Swedish military aircraft designations}}
{{Thai transport aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Saab aircraft|340]]
[[Category:1980s Swedish airliners]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1983]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]