Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve S... 2
It is interesting that Saab340B VH-OLN is being used for spare parts but they retain and refurbish the very old Saab340A VH-KDB.
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I'm guessing that mainly because the 340B is the workhorse of the fleet and they needed to withdraw a unit for spares (especially spare engines). Rex has 33 or so 340B's compared to the mere 8 340A's and because alot of the other 340B parts (landing gear, interior, various metal, panels ect) are compatible with 340A's. They are basically the same type of aircraft except for the engines which are different in the B model and of course the B model has wider tips on the tailplane. As I said how KDB was refurbished. It now has overhead storage lockers which weren't present before and all new leather seats among the few of its interior upgrades. Even though its very old, it feels very new again. It was withdrawn back in November last year and returned to service in March I believe.
VH-KDK, the first southern hemisphere based SF3 was also fully refurbished in July 2006 and VH-KDI also had an interior refit done but it hasn't been repainted yet (or has it?). These older units often operate out of Melbourne but are rotated between Adelaide and Sydney. I havent seen EKT for a while, maybe its getting refurbished. But I've seen alot more 340B's (along with 340A's) down in Burnie, Tasmania in the last 4 or 5 months.