Pelair Saabs

[Paul C.]

Originally Posted by David M

Had heard that ZLY and ZRX are to go to PelAir as pax a/c. Can't confirm however.

David.M.

Maybe they along with KDK will become Saab 340A/QC (Quick Change layout), so they can be swapped between passenger layout and freight layout just like the Metros, KDO, KAN and KEU in Adelaide. There are a few Saab 340A/QC flying in Europe, Sprint Air is a good example of an operator who has some Saab 340A's that chan be changed between pax and freight and a couple of freighters.

[Paul C.]

Just found out that Rex is currently in the process of finalising the sale of another two Saab 340A aircraft to a European operator.

[Bill S]

Had a good chat with one of the 340A Captains last night - they seem to be about 50% better than the Metro 3's in most ways.
They carry about 50% more payload and they burn about 50% more fuel per hour.
But!
They're only about 10 - 20kts faster and don't fly any higher.
The cockpit is MUCH nicer though, more room and far more advanced.

[Paul C.]

It looks like Rex will phase all its 340A's out in the next few months which will include a third freighter for Pel-Air.

* ZLY and ZRX have been sold and will go to Sprint Air in Poland. One will be a freighter and the other will remain pax.
* EKD will be sold to Sol Lineas Aereas in Argentina.
* KDK will be converted into a freighter for Pel-Air.

[NickN]

Another for Sol, they must have liked the first one. Any ideas if it will also be painted here in Aus before delivery? Any dates on when these aircraft will ferry out?

[Paul C.]

Originally Posted by NickN

Another for Sol, they must have liked the first one. Any ideas if it will also be painted here in Aus before delivery? Any dates on when these aircraft will ferry out?

I have no clue. Probably before KDK's freighter conversion. I'm pretty sure that EKD will certianly be fully repainted into SOL colours at ABX, it needs a new paint job. SOL is a small regional airline in Argentina established about 4 years ago. They currently have 4 Saabs and no other aircraft types.

[Paul C.]

KDB is now in the same livery as EKT, with navy blue PEL-AIR titles over a red stripe. The words "Regional Express" still remain unlike EKT which has "Member of the REX Group" stickers. KDK is the last 340A remaining in (limited) REX service is to get its freighter conversion in a few months time once all the other A's have been sorted out. The former KDI is now registered as LV-BTP. REX also has 5 340B's on the market. JRX, XRX, YRX, OLL and OLM.

[NickN]

Are REX dropping those 5 x 340B's due to the downturn? Or are they being replaced with other aircraft?

Last I read REX was in a great position financially and thought they may have held onto any spare a/c until things pick up again.

[Adam P.]

XRX

I know one ADL-based Biscuit Chucker who will be very very very happy to hear that...

Nick those Bs are the older ones of that subtype in the fleet... they are gradually being replaced with B+s. Next one: VH-ZLS, currently in Wagga doing whatever it is they do to 'Rexify' the imports before letting them loose on the line.

[Paul C.]

Originally Posted by NickN

Are REX dropping those 5 x 340B's due to the downturn? Or are they being replaced with other aircraft?

Last I read REX was in a great position financially and thought they may have held onto any spare a/c until things pick up again.

Yes. They plan to phase the older B's out and replace them with 340B+'s. The only ones that will remain are the 3 A models for Pel-Air. But still expect the older B's to be in service for a while though. The ex KLM cityhopper aircraft JRX, XRX, YRX and OLL are usually Adelaide based but I did see them alot down in Tasmania last month when they were shifted to Melbourne.