MARKET REPORTIssue 23 OCTOBER 2009

A PUBLICATION OF SAAB AIRCRAFT LEASING

GOLDEN AIR ACCEPTS SIXTH EASTERN SUPPORTS OIL OPS WITH SAAB 2000

ARGENTINE AIR FORCE FLY FOUR SAAB 340Bs FOR PATAGONIA MISSIONS SKYBAHAMAS READIES FOR GROWTH

A_SMR_SeptOctl09_CC.indd 1 9/28/09 9:47:56 AM MESSAGE FROM CONTENTS Michael Magnusson Golden Air accepts sixth Saab 2000 ...... 3

With this issue of Saab Market Report, Eastern supports oil operations with Saab 2000 ...... 4-5 we approach the end of 2009, and it will probably be a year most Wings of launches two sister companies ...... 6-8 people want to forget. It seems like we have reached the “bottom” in traffi c PenAir adapts to ’s Mt. Redoubt eruption ...... 9 decline, and there is a very cautious optimism that traffi c should begin its Polish operators SprintAir and SkyTaxi display long road to recovery. The question is: colorful liveries across European skies ...... 10-11 how fast will the traffi c recover? Some believe that it will take both 2010 and Saab profi le: Kjell Fredheim...... 12 2011 until we are fully recovered. Rex introduces Electronic Flight Bag ...... 13-14 Even with the turmoil in the industry, we see some interesting positive SkyBahamas readies for growth with Saab 340As ...... 15-17 trends. One example is Thailand. Over the years, Thai International has served many domestic markets with large Argentine Air Force fl y four Saab 340Bs for aircraft, at a loss. It was deemed politically incorrect to drop these domestic Patagonia missions ...... 18-19 routes. With the industry in “free fall”, such old dogmas go out the window. What is happening now is various local regionals are fi lling the void left by Thai Mark your calendar ...... 19 when it dropped these destinations. These regionals want to “right-size” the aircraft utilized and have chosen the Saab 340 to do the job. So overnight we Saab operators map ...... 20 have two regional operators already committed to incorporating Saab 340s, and in one case, even regional jets will be removed.

Another major development for us is Mesaba’s (Delta) decision to reduce their Saab 340Bplus fl ying and return these aircraft to us. This recent development has provided us with the opportunity to offer new and existing operators the youngest Saab 340s. In fact, the fi rst two have already been placed with a long-time Saab 340 operator.

These are mid-1990 airframes with Gen III cabin interiors and Active Noise Control systems. An advantage for new operators is we can offer a fl eet of aircraft with the same confi guration and access to Saab’s Parts Exchange Program (PEP).

On the Saab 2000 front, Saab has just completed its biennial operators con- ference in Linköping. During this conference, various issues were discussed openly between Saab, its customers and current suppliers. I believe it was a very useful exercise for everyone present. We at Saab need to hear from our Cover photo by Eryl Crump customers so that we can improve our programs to make both the aircraft and its operators competitive. Market Report is published by Saab Aircraft Leasing Recently, we fi nished an unusual project which was supplying four completely refurbished Saab 340B aircraft, together with an extensive support and training Editor: Kelly Murphy package, to the Argentine Air Force. Saab won an international RFP to provide Emerald Media [email protected] this package, and we did so on budget and on schedule. All are now in service in some challenging environments in Patagonia. We have also reached the Europe: Alison Chambers fi nal stage in our delivery program of 340Bplus aircraft to Rex in Australia; the Emerald Media [email protected] last fi ve aircraft will be delivered by early 2010. By then, Rex will have become the world’s largest Saab 340 operator showing the strength of the Australian Design and Layout: regional market. The 30-seat Saab 340 is perfect for regional routes in the Aeris Graphic Design Outback, and Rex was recently selected as the most successful regional in the [email protected] world by a panel of experts at Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine.

Printed in USA September 2009 Michael Magnusson ©2009 Saab Aircraft President and CEO, Saab Aircraft Leasing

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GOLDEN AIR ACCEPTS SIXTH SAAB 2000

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERYL CRUMP

Golden Air has taken delivery of Golden Air owns eight Saab GOLDEN AIR its sixth Saab 2000 (serial 007) 340s. Two are currently leased to ROUTE MAP Kiruna (as of September 2009) during this summer. Among NextJet, while one operates the FINLAND the routes it is operating is the airline’s own route from its base Östersund/Åre to at Trollhättan to Stockholm Bromma route up to four times Bromma. Golden Air’s largest each weekday for the new aircraft are two ATR 72-500s. S WEDEN company Ostersundsfl yg.se that Golden Air was formed in Örnsköldsvikdsvvikv launched services on August 16. Östersund September 1976 and initially Th e other Golden Air Saab 2000s operated air taxi and charter

are contracted to operate services services. Since then it has under- N O RWAY to gone several changes until being for other including restructured under the current Sundsvallsfl yg, Blekingefl yg and ownership in August 1993. It (Arlanda) Kullafl yg. Another Saab 2000 is wholly owned by shipping StockholmS (Bromma) serves Örnsköldsvik, on behalf of company Erik Th un and has 56

Höga Kusten Flyg, from Stock- employees. Trollhattan holm Arlanda. VisbyV Ronneby

DEE NMARK Ängelholm

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EASTERN SUPPORTS OIL OPERATIONS WITH SAAB 2000

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERYL CRUMP

SOME OF THE AVIATION INDUSTRY’S MOST DEMANDING An oil worker, embarking a Saab 2000 fl ight at Aberdeen during August, PASSENGERS HAVE GIVEN EASTERN AIRWAYS AND THE SAAB tells Saab Market Report: “It’s a grand aircraft . It’s fast, comfortable and 2000 THE “THUMBS UP”. THE HUMBERSIDE, ENGLAND-BASED quiet. But more than that, it’s reliable. Aft er a spell off shore, the last AIRLINE WAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT LAST NOVEMBER FOR thing I want on my way home is to be delayed. We understand weather THE INTEGRATED AVIATION CONSORTIUM (IAC) TRANSPORTING can aff ect operations and its eff ects can be seen at Scatsta – the wind- OFFSHORE WORKERS FROM ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND TO SCATSTA sock is usually horizontal. Th e one thing I hate seeing is a man with a IN THE SHETLAND ISLES. toolbox heading to the aeroplane. Th at hasn’t happened with Eastern Airways,” he said. Th ree Saab 2000s are allocated to the fl ights with each aircraft operat- ing up to four daily 55-minute return trips. At Scatsta, the UK’s most Supporting business is priority northerly airport and Scotland’s fi fth busiest airport, most passengers While Eastern was due to start these oil support operations in February transfer onto Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-92 for fl ights to oil rigs 2009, the previous operator, Air Kilroe, ceased service and was acquired in the Brent and Ninian fi elds. Some passengers make the short trip by by Eastern. Th is prompted Eastern to start the service two months road to the Sullom Voe oil terminal where tankers are loaded with oil earlier. Eastern Airways Chief Operating Officer Chris Holliday brought ashore by pipeline. underlines: “Th e contract was due to start in February this year, but a call came last December when the IAC were left grounded by another

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“ It’s a grand aircraft. It’s fast, comfortable and quiet. But more than that, it’s reliable.” —Oil worker embarking a Saab 2000 fl ight at Aberdeen

airline. We got a call at 6:30am, and we were providing service by 11am. Charter contracts alone have already seen more than 1,400 fl ights made It is testament to the capabilities of the team that we achieved that, and since December. It is a perfect example of the company’s positioning in it is certainly in the interests of the company to respond at speed to the the aviation industry. customer requirement. We have always tried to be very responsive, and we focused on our priorities of supporting business.” “We are not trying to be a low-cost airline that crams people in. We are very focused on a high standard of service, day return frequencies, Eastern Airways has experienced signifi cant growth since it started and we want to make our fl ights as enjoyable as possible. Th at is the 12 years ago with one route from Humberside to Aberdeen and one underlying philosophy. A lot of passengers fl y with us every week or aircraft fl ying it. Built up primarily by serving businesses including the every other week. It is part of their lives and if we don’t get it right, it North Sea oil and gas industry, the network has developed across the would have serious consequences for them. Th is is why we have such a country by using smaller regional aircraft on routes other airlines with focus on being on time,” adds Holliday. larger capacity fl eets avoided.

Eastern Airways now has 29 aircraft fl ying on a domestic and interna- tional scheduled network serving key business centers from 17 airports, as well as substantial charter activity.

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WINGS OF EUROPE LAUNCHES TWO SISTER COMPANIES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERYL CRUMP

August 2009 was a busy time for with the Saab 340 from Bornholm We have dedicated staff at each Th e company soon became very Wing of Europe Chief Executive to .” airline whose job is to maintain successful and inquiries started Daniel Långsten with the launch of close links with passengers. Th ey coming from other Swedish cities two new operations. Långsten tells Saab Market Report: visit local companies and maintain who also wanted better, cheaper “It’s a boom time for us at the mo- contact. If someone we know fl ies and more frequent air service,” Wings of Europe was created as a ment. So many airlines are either every week and we don’t see them Långsten explains. sister company of Sverigefl yg to going out of business or contract- for a few weeks, we’ll get in touch. operate a number of small, region- ing. Airports need to replace those When was the last time a large To date, Sverigefl yg has assisted ally focused airlines in . services, but we don’t look at it legacy carrier visited a small com- seven cities/regions to gain their Långsten oversaw the start of their way every time. We don’t pany to discuss their travel plans?” own airline, which the company Ostersundsfl yg services from Are mind competing with other air- owns together with local entrepre- Ostersund in northern Sweden to lines on routes. We can set lower Sverigefl yg was established in 2001 neurs in each city, based all over Stockholm’s downtown airport in fares and break the monopoly. by three entrepreneurs on Gotland Sweden, with routes to Stockholm Bromma. who founded Gotlandsfl yg to fl y and overseas – currently more than We can be big when it is impor- -Stockholm, as a protest 18 routes. Th e majority in each Just days later, Långsten was at tant to be, all the various airlines against the SAS monopoly. subsidiary is owned by Sverigefl yg. Bornholm, an island off the east- share the IT functions, purchas- ern Danish coast, for the Wings of ing power and so on but we can “Th is became the start of Sverige- The companies use an all- Bornholm launch. Th e airline, the be very small and local when we fl yg, which developed as a ‘virtual fleet, with 33- to company’s fi rst international op- need to. airline’, with rented aircraft , fl ight 72-seat aircraft from Saab and eration, fl ies 42 departures weekly crews and technical competence. ATR. In 2007, the companies

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“It’s a boom time for us at the moment… We can be big when it is important to be…but we can be very small and local when we need

to.” – Daniel Långsten Chief Executive Wings of Europe

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together carried approximately In 2007, the group had a turnover “In January 2008, we set up 500,000 passengers with nine of €50 million and profits of €3.5 Wings of Europe to export the aircraft. That year, Saab 340 million – making it one of the concept internationally. We are operator Nordic was most profitable airline groups in getting lots of inquiries, and purchased. The airline has nine Europe. Average yearly growth there are projects being dis- aircraft flying for several of the has been 73 percent since the cussed in Italy, the companies, however, Långsten is start. and the UK,” he adds. quick to point out the Wings of Europe/ is not obliged to use the firm’s aircraft.

“We go for the best and the cheap- est bidder. The Wings of Europe structure is operated by an Avitrans Saab WINGS OF BORNHOLM 340, but the Östersundsfl yg is Wings of Europe/Sverigefl yg has interests in seven Swedish and one SAAB 340 PREPARING TO fl own by a Golden Air Saab 2000. Danish company. All of the Swedish companies operate a trunk route DEPART THE AIRPORT ON Many people have tried to copy to Stockholm’s centrally located and convenient Bromma Airport. ITS INAUGURAL FLIGHT our concept but so far none have TO COPENHAGEN WAVED succeeded. In fact, Sverigefl yg pur- Gotlandsfl yg – established in 2001, the company was the fi rst in the ON BY A LARGE CROWD chased several of those companies Sverigefl yg family and the foundation of the successful development (TOP) who tried and failed, and they are of that company. Going from one 33-seat aircraft fl ying from Visby to now part of the Sverigefl yg family Stockholm Bromma, the company now operates an ATR 72 and a SAAB 340 LOADING AT of companies,” he notes. Saab 340 from the island. The company still fl ies to Bromma Airport, VISBY, GOTLAND ON ITS but now also has fl ights to Stockholm Skavsta and seasonal fl ights to WAY TO ÄNGLEHOLM , Hamburg, and .

Kullafl yg – established in 2003, the company is based in Helsingborg, the center of the Kulla region, from where it fl ies a 72-seat ATR 72 and a 50-seat Saab 2000 to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport, as well as seasonal routes to Visby and Mora.

Sundsvallsfl yg – established in 2005, the company fl ies with 50-seat Saab 2000s from Sundsvall to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport as well as a seasonal route to Visby.

Blekingefl yg – established as Stockholmsplanet, the company was included in Sverigefl yg in 2006 and renamed. Today, the company fl ies from Ronneby with a 50-seat Saab 2000 to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport as well as seasonally to Visby.

Kalmarfl yg – established as Kalmarplanet, the company was included in Sverigefl yg in 2007 and renamed. Today, the company fl ies from , with a 33-seat Saab 340 to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport.

Flysmaland – established as Stockholmsplanet, the company was included in Sverigefl yg in 2007 and renamed. Today, the company fl ies with two 33-seat Saab 340s from Växjö to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport as well as to and seasonal routes to Mora and Visby.

Östersundsfl yg – established in 2009 with base at Åre Östersund Airport in northern Sweden, the company fl ies a 50-seat Saab 2000 to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport.

Wings of Bornholm – established in 2009 with base at , the company fl ies a 33-seat Saab 340 to . Wings of Bornholm is the group’s fi rst establishment outside Sweden.

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PENAIR ADAPTS TO ALASKA’s MT. REDOUBT ERUPTION

BY PAUL BRYSON

MOTHER NATURE OFFERS AN From the initial evidence that vol- understand the present and future many aircraft instruments but for ASSORTMENT OF NATURAL canic activity is possible, PenAir volcanic activities, can be found cabin air. It also has the potential EVENTS THAT CAN UPSET AND closely monitors the situation and at AVO’s website. For planning to pit windscreens, and erode CREATE CHALLENGES FOR prepares to implement its policies purposes, AVO makes a “puff de- leading edges, radomes and deice COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESS- and procedures required to protect tector” available that, along with boots. Of course, any indica- ES WORLDWIDE. PROBABLY its passengers, crew and aircraft . current and forecasted weather tion of ash damage is reported ONE OF THE MOST UNUSUAL With the initial eruption, pilots data, computes where, how high immediately, and the aircraft is CHALLENGES OF NATURE in fl ight are immediately notifi ed and how fast the ash and gasses grounded until a proper review THAT OUR SAAB OPERATORS and advised that if they cannot will travel if the eruption occurs. is conducted by PenAir’s Critical FIND THEMSELVES MANAGING, maintain VFR (visual fl ight rules) Management team. Even aft er ash IS A VOLCANIC ERUPTION. they are to divert away from the Mt. Redoubt’s eruption caused stops falling, airport maintenance IN MARCH 2009, MT. REDOUBT, volcanic activity and search out PenAir to cancel all fl ights and requires several days to sweep up LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF a suitable airport to land. If it is maroon aircraft for several the fallen ash. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, PRE- days while ash fell directly over SENTED SAAB 340 OPERATOR possible to maintain VFR condi- Anchorage. During the eruption An interesting volcano fact tells PENAIR, WITH JUST SUCH tions, they can proceed but must and post-eruption phase, all fl ight us that on the planet of Mars we AN EVENT. remain clear of the ash. Flights that have not departed are told to crew, ground operation personnel fi nd the volcano Olympus Mons Late in January of 2009, pre- remain on the ground until the and mechanics were continually (Latin for “Mount Olympus”) that eruption information, that was situation can be assessed properly. reminded to stay observant and is the tallest known volcano and available from the Alaska Volcano report any indication of ash set- mountain in our solar system. Observatory’s (AVO), warned PenAir uses Alaska Volcano tling or possible damage caused Olympus Mons is three times as of an imminent Mt. Redoubt Observatory for operational by the small ash particles. tall as Mount Everest as it stands eruption. Th is eruption, which planning at 27 kilometers/16.7 miles high Volcanic ash can be quite haz- occurred on March 22, 2009 and Bryan Carricaburu, PenAir Vice above the surface level of Mars. ardous as it can enter minute was preceded by clusters of seismic President and Director of Opera- openings and contaminate the air activity, sent steam and ash plumes tions, advises Saab Market Report supply that is used not only by upwards 21 kilometers/13 miles. that information they use to

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POLISH OPERATORS SPRINT SKYTAXI DISPLAY COLORFU LIVERIES ACROSS EUROPEAN

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERYL CRUMP

POLISH REGIONAL AIRLINES All Saab 340As are painted in the In January 2008, SprintAir Group ARE MAKING THEIR COLORFUL same basic color scheme, but the was established, and the airline MARK ON AIRPORTS ACROSS tail and fuselage logos and styling changed its name to SprintAir. EUROPE WITH THEIR MULTI- sport paint in greens, blues, reds Th e passenger operation restarted COLORED FLEET OF SAAB and orange. soon aft erwards. 340As. SprintAir President Jan Szczepkowski SkyTaxi operates from SprintAir, part of the SprintAir notes the airline was originally set Wroclaw Group, operates domestic pas- up in 2003, under the name Air senger services from its base in Polonia Cargo. It started freight Meanwhile, another Polish airline, to various destinations and mail fl ights in April 2004, SkyTaxi, operates “on demand” in . SprintAir also operates with three Let L-410s. and charter services from its regional freight services across Wroclaw base. Two Saab 340As Europe on behalf of freight for- Later that year, the airline was currently comprise the fl eet and warders including UPS and DHL. renamed to SkyExpress and have been seen across Europe. acquired its first Saab 340A. Be- During the last football (soccer) Operating 11 Saab 340As, tween April 2006 and April 2007, season, they were seen regularly SprintAir fl ies fi ve freighter the airline started scheduled fl ying French team FC Sochaux- conversions, four QC versions domestic passenger operations Montbéliard to away games. and two others, both obtained under the brand. Af- from Australian carrier Regional ter those flights were suspended, SkyTaxi was established in the Express earlier this year, in pas- the airline continued freight year 2000 at a small grass airfi eld senger confi guration. operations. near Opole, Poland. Th e fl eet

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SPRINTAIR SAAB 340As SPORT PAINT IN GREENS, REDS AND BLUES

TAIR AND L N SKIES

then consisted of a six-seat Piper Seneca II, and the fi rst fl ight was SKYTAXI SAAB 340As to Warsaw. Th e base was switched OPERATE ON DEMAND, CHARTER SERVICES FROM to Wroclaw in the fall of 2000 ITS WROCLAW BASE flying to many destinations all over Europe.

“By the end of 2001, we made a decision to enlarge our fl eet and a Cessna T303 Crusader was purchased. A much larger aircraft was required by mid-2005 to meet market requirements. Aft er evaluating various types, the Saab 340A was selected,” SkyTaxi Chief Executive Offi cer Greg Rybczynski tells Saab Market Report. Th e Quick Change ver- sion was delivered to Wroclaw in November and was put straight to work. Rybczynski said the second aircraft was delivered in the fall of 2008.

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SAAB PROFILE: Kjell Fredheim Longtime Scandinavian aviator

Aft er completing military service, Kjell Fredheim joined SAS in In November 1993, Fredheim was appointed Senior Vice President of 1957 and worked within Marketing, Sales and Route Management in Corporate Development for the SAS Group with responsibility for the . Working his way up the company over 20+ years, Fredheim Baltic area. He played a vital part in forming Air Baltic in where become head of Domestic and European Marketing in 1981, then was SAS had a 29 percent shareholding. promoted to General Manager for Germany, the largest market in Europe for SAS. While Fredheim retired from Air Baltic when the airline was profi table in March 1997, in June of that year he was appointed President of the In January 1986, Fredheim was named Vice President and General Swedish charter company Blue Scandinavia. Owned by the tour operator Manager of SAS Intercontinental. He executed a major restructuring Fritidresor, the airline was acquired by the Th omson Group in early 1998 of the SAS Intercontinental operation and standardized the fl eet from and renamed Britannia Airways Sweden. fi ve types to one. He managed to open China for SAS and a close co- operation was established with US carrier . Th is In early 1998, SAS acquired the Finnish domestic airline Air Botnia resulted in moving the SAS hub in the US to Newark. SAS off ered daily (now ) operating fi ve 19-seat Jetstream 31s. Fredheim was asked to non-stop services to Newark from Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo develop the airline into a profi table regional airline. for the fi rst time. Currently, Fredheim is Chairman and CEO of the family-owned consult- Shortly aft er being appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Op- ing company: Fredheim International. Established in 1997, the com- erating Offi cer of SAS in November 1990, Fredheim launched the SAS pany specializes in aviation matters, airline management, education and Effi ciency Program cutting 20 percent of the airline’s operating costs and management training. An ERA member, the company has been engaged reducing staff by more than 3,600. by several airlines and has had management responsibility for a number of projects. During the same period, Fredheim merged the domestic airlines, Linjefl yg and Express, into SAS and was project manager for Fredheim and his wife Borg have two children, both working for the SAS in the project, an attempt to merge SAS, KLM, and SAS Group. His leisure interests include soccer, mountain walking Austrian into one airline. and gardening.

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REX INTRODUCES ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG

Australian-based Regional Express Planning and Load Control Sys- (Rex) has introduced fl ight deck tem (FLaPS) had to be upgraded tablet computers called Saab Flight to incorporate the passenger Bags (SFB). Th e SFB enables pilots manifest import function from to complete the aircraft weight and the Sabre reservation system. Th is balance, fl ight planning, as well direct import function allows the as download and print pre-fl ight fl ight crew to import and popu- briefi ngs. Currently, this prepara- late the seat map of the aircraft tion is done in dispatch offi ces within FLaPS from the passenger located inside the airport. With the manifest within Sabre. Previously, new SFB, the need for the First the fl ight crew was required to Offi cer to travel to the dispatch manually load each passenger into offi ces is completely eliminated, the system in order to produce the thereby allowing all crew to necessary trim and fl ight planning remain together at the aircraft to paperwork. Five generations of prepare for an effi cient turnaround. prototypes were built before the fi nal confi guration was selected. Development of this system started two years ago, and Th e SFB includes a tablet compu- involved intense co-operation ter, Zebra thermal printer, mobile between the Engineering, Flight internet card and a state-of-the-art Operations, Airports and IT de- custom designed power supply partments. Th e existing Rex Flight which has a microcontroller con-

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THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS HOUSED IN A SPECIALLY ENGINEERED CUSTOM BUILT CASE THAT IS STOWED IN THE FLIGHT DECK IN THE DOCUMENT BIN BESIDE THE CAPTAIN’S SEAT

THE SFB ENABLES PILOTS TO COMPLETE THE AIRCRAFT TRIM, FLIGHT PLANNING, AS WELL AS DOWNLOAD AND PRINT PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFINGS

trolling overvoltage protection. SFB is laptop size and weighs The SFB is undoubtedly a break- A local Engineering Order with just 5 kilograms/11 pounds. through in the Saab aircraft com- Regulatory Approval was devel- The EFB remains in the aircraft munity and all other operators oped to use a 28V power outlet unless maintenance is required. could certainly benefit from this which recharges the batteries of innovation. the tablet and printer. The outlet Rex is the first revenue pas- only allows power to be drawn senger traffic Saab operator to Other operators wishing to find when the nose gear is down. utilize such a system which has out more should contact Rex’s been approved by Australia’s GM IT & Communications The entire system is housed in Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Mayooran Thanabalasingam: a specially engineered custom Rex is currently in the process [email protected]. built case that is stowed in the of rolling out the product to all flight deck in the document bin 40+ Saab aircraft in its fleet. beside the Captain’s seat. The

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MISS UNIVERSE CONTESTANTS FLY SKYBAHAMAS TO BIMINI FOR THE PAGEANT’S SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

PICTURED BACK ROW: PAGEANT CONTESTANTS; FRONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT) JAMARO THOMPSON, GUEST SERVICE MANAGER; TRAVIS STEIN, SAFETY OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF TRAINING/ PILOT; ANNIS SMITH, FLIGHT ATTENDANT; GODFREY WALLACE, FIRST OFFICER; CHERISSE KING, BIMINI GUEST SERVICE AGENT SKYBAHAMAS READIES FOR FUTURE GROWTH WITH SAAB 340As

BY KELLY MURPHY

CEO and President Captain pilot, instructor and examiner. 1900, SkyBahamas operates daily Randy Butler has a clear vision for fl ights out of Nassau to inter-island SkyBahamas prominent future and Th is rare combination of such a destinations including: Exuma, draws on his many years of avia- long list of aviation credentials, has Bimini, Freeport, Grand Bahama, tion experience working not only served SkyBahamas well as it sets Marsh Harbour, Abaco and New within the government and com- its course for additional growth in Bight, Cat Island. Roundtrips mercial sectors of the industry, but the Bahamas. With a fl eet of three fl ights are off ered two to three as a highly accomplished airline Saab 340As and a single Beech times daily.

SKYBAHAMAS ADOPTS THE OLD BIGHT MISSION HOME IN CHILDREN OF THE OLD BIGHT MISSION HOME SING A CAT ISLAND. PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CAPTAIN SELECTION OF SONGS AT THE CEREMONY INTRODUCING RANDY BUTLER, MRS. BUTLER, CHIEF COUNCILOR VAL SKYBAHAMAS TO THE CAT ISLAND COMMUNITY SEYMOUR, REVEREND KEVIN RUSSELL, DEPUTY CHIEF COUNCILOR ALFRED DANIELS AND SKYBAHAMAS BOARD CHAIRMAN PETER TURNQUEST

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Speaking at the Marsh Harbour, Abaco inaugural ceremony, Captain Butler reminds customers “safety is our culture and service is our passion”

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Since 2008, when Butler took Living this promise, SkyBahamas service. Butler notes to support charge of the day-to-day opera- has donated food, books and future route development, there tions of SkyBahamas, the airline money to Cat Island’s school and are plans to add two more of the has become deeply involved in the Mission Home, a safe and caring 30-seaters. communities it serves. Butler tells haven for 15 Bahamian children Saab Market Report, “We create who have been neglected and Customers have also welcomed the new jobs and help sustain the local abandoned. infl ight cabin services provided by economy. We believe in the old SkyBahamas fl ight attendants, says proverb that it’s better to give than Th e Saab 340 was selected as a Butler, underlining the airline’s to receive.” growth aircraft for the airline motto: where safety is our culture providing economical and reliable and service is our passion.

Captain Randy Butler CEO and President, SkyBahamas Ltd www.skybahamas.net

Although airplanes have been fl ying to the Bahamas since 1919, it was only after World War II that Bahamians, usually ex-RAF and RCAF pilots, began to captain aircraft that traversed the archipelago and connected the islands to the wider world. When the skies opened up to the average Bahamian, a growing number of young men seized the op- portunity to take to the air and many have gained international respect for their competence. Captain Randy Butler is one of that outstanding group. An accomplished pilot with experience as an FAA-certifi ed Pilot Instructor and Pilot Examiner, Butler, in 1996, became the fi rst Baha- mian practicing in the Bahamas to be designated by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority as a Pilot Examiner.

In 2008, the SkyBahamas Board announced Captain Butler’s appoint- From 2000 to 2007, Butler was Flight Standards Inspectorate/Bahamas ment as CEO and President of SkyBahamas, with responsibility for the Civil Aviation Department: Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) Supervi- company’s day-to-day management. Reporting directly to the Board, he sor and Acting Manager. He was named Investigator-in-Charge of the leads a team of highly skilled aviation professionals to ensure SkyBahamas tragic and high profi le fatal aircraft crash accident investigation that claimed continues to succeed in the challenging and highly competitive climate of the life of R&B singer Aaliyah. In this role, Butler was required to interact commercial aviation. Butler notes the key is “strategic scheduling, targeting and liaise with international aviation authorities, international and local law key domestic routes and on-demand fl ights linking the Bahamas and the agencies, and the foreign press and take part in court proceedings. United States.” He underlines this necessary strategy will bring more lucra-

tive opportunities to tourism and hospitality throughout the archipelago. The Nassau Development Company (NAD) operator of the Lynden Pin- dling , employed Butler as Manager of Public Safety, He has amassed 22 years of industry experience, the last seven years with responsibility for the day-to-day safety of all users of the Lynden spent working at the Flight Standards Inspectorate (FSI) as an aviation Pindling International Airport. safety inspector. His responsibilities have included the training of inspec-

tors and technical offi cers. From 2007 to 2008, Butler was engaged with the Bahamas Government at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, as the fi rst-ever manager of Avia- The scope of Captain Butler’s 22 years of experience is backed by tion Security for the whole Bahamas. He reported directly to the Minister numerous certifi cations and experiences. He holds US, Canadian and responsible for civil aviation on aviation security matters, also advising on Bahamas Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) with type-ratings on the policy for aviation security. In addition, Captain Butler liaised with foreign Boeing 737, Dash 8, Cessna Citation, Beech 1900 and seaplane aircraft. government on aviation security issues and represented the government He has completed international training and obtained various certifi ca- at international conferences and meetings on aviation security. tions in the following: Aviation Security, Civil Aviation Management,

Airport Certifi cation & Management, Airline Security, Airline Operations & Butler’s goal as CEO and President of SkyBahamas is “to see the airline Management and Safety Management systems (SMS). Among his IATA thrive immensely by scheduling more domestic routes and on demand diplomas and certifi cates, Butler counts eight distinctions. He has logged charter fl ights from the islands of the Bahamas to the USA.” more than 6,000 fl ight hours as a corporate and charter pilot.

MARKET REPORT | October 2009 17

A_SMR_SeptOctl09_CC.indd 17 9/29/09 4:59:12 PM MARKET REPORT ARGENTINE AIR FORCE FOR PATAGONIA MISSIONS

THE ARGENTINE AIR FORCE Th e aircraft are operated by Th e deliveries are a culmination of HAS NOW ACCEPTED DELIVERY the Air Force-managed airline a four-year process to select a new OF FOUR SAAB 340Bs TO Lineas Aereas del Estado (LADE) middle-size transport aircraft for SERVE REMOTE AREAS IN serving the Patagonia region. the Argentine Air Force. Th e total THE PATAGONIA REGION IN Th e Saab 340Bs feature gravel budget for the aircraft and logistics SOUTHERN ARGENTINA. THE modifi cation as well as expanded support package is approximately SAABs REPLACE FOKKER communications equipment. Th ey $34 million spread over fi ve years. F27s AND ARE BASED AND will also meet the latest civilian Saab won the contract in late MAINTAINED IN COMMODORO requirements on TCAS-2, TAWS, 2007 and agreed to deliver four RIVADAVIA. expanded DFDR and secured completely overhauled Saab 340Bs cockpit doors. together with a complete logistics package of spares, manuals, tools, ground support equipment, training of pilots and mechanics, Saab on- location technical support, as well as the Parts Exchange Program (PEP) on the rotables including propeller and landing gear.

Major Ivan Castany tells Saab Market Report, “Aft er a long process, the Argentine Air Force chose the Saab 340B to fl y in the harsh Patagonia environment covering non-profi table areas, fl ying passengers and cargo and accomplishing a social job making a connective network over a huge area from Commodore Rivadavia. From January 2009, we have been fl ying our 340s and realize that they are very tough and fi t for the job. Th ey are enjoyable to fl y and maintenance friendly, and we hope to fl y them for many years

Photo: Guillermo Sentis to come.”

18 MARKET REPORT | October 2009

A_SMR_SeptOctl09_CC.indd 18 9/29/09 4:59:12 PM MARKET REPORT FLY FOUR SAAB 340Bs Photo: Guillermo Sentis

ON AUGUST 21, 2009, THE ARGENTINE AIR FORCE HAD A SAAB 340 CEREMONY MARK- ING THE FINAL DELIVERIES OF THE FOUR SAAB 340Bs. THE CEREMONY IN BUENOS AIRES INCLUDED MANY MILITARY OFFICIALS WITH THE CHIEF OF THE ARGENTINE AIR FORCE PROVIDING A TOUR OF THE AIRCRAFT TO MINISTER OF DEFENSE NILDA GARRE. SEE PICTURES AT LEFT

Photo: Guillermo Sentis MARK YOUR CALENDAR…

OCTOBER RAAA Coolum October 1-2 QLD, Australia ERA General Assembly October 7-9 Interlaken, Switzerland NBAA Convention October 20-22 Orlando, FL

US Valuation Conference October 26-27 Washington, DC

NOVEMBER

SpeedNews Regional & Corporate November 2-4 Aviation Conference Rancho Mirage, CA ATAC 2009 Annual General Meeting November 15-17 Quebec City, QC Photo: Guillermo Sentis

MARKET REPORT | October 2009 19

A_SMR_SeptOctl09_CC.indd 19 9/28/09 9:48:40 AM MARKET REPORT

OPERATIONAL STATUS SAAB 340 412 aircraft in service 55 operators in 31 countries 13.6 million fl ight hours 15.1 million fl ights SAAB 340 SAAB 2000 SAAB 2000 SAAB 340 & 2000 58 aircraft in service 13 operators in 10 countries 1.2 million fl ight hours 1.2 million fl ights

(all data as of August 2009)

Operator Country 340 2000 Operator Country 340 2000Operator Country 340 2000 Americas Americas Europe & Africa

Aerolineas Sosa Honduras 1 TAG Guatemala 1 Norse Air South Africa 3

AeroMexico Connect Mexico 2 Transwest 3 NRT Gabon 2

Air Panama Panama 2 Vigo Jet Mexico 1 OLT Germany 2 3

Bimini Island Air USA 2 Western Air Bahamas 5 Overland Airways Nigeria 1

Calm Air Canada 6 Europe & Africa Polet Airlines Russia 6

Caribair Dominican Rep. 2 Airfast Congo 1 RAF-AVIA Latvia 2

Colgan Airways USA 34 Avion Express 3 Robin Hood Aviation Austria 2

Corporate Express Canada 1 Avitrans Nordic Sweden 13 Ryjet Spain 1

Hendrick Motorsports R USA 3 Romania 10 SkyTaxi Poland 2

IBC Airways USA 10 Central Connect Airlines Czech Republic 7 Solinair Slovenia 3

JMJ Flight Services USA 1 CTK Network Aviation Ghana 2 South Airlines 2

Joe Gibbs Racing USA 2 Switzerland 4 Sprint 11

Líneas Aéreas del Estado Argentina 4 DOT Lithuania 2 Swedish Air Force Sweden 9

Mesaba Airlines USA 49 Eastern Airways Great Britain 8 Asia-Pacific

Napleton Aviation Group USA 1 Regional Estonia 2 Air Rarotonga Cook Islands 1

Pacific Coastal Airlines Canada 8 Fleet Air Hungary 2 Eznis Airways Mongolia 3

Pegasus Air Cayman Islands 1 Golden 4 6 Hokkaido Air System Japan 3

Peninsula Airways USA 10 Great Britain 16 Japan Air Commuter Japan 11

Prince Edward Air Canada 1 Mali Air Express Mali 2 Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Japan 2

Provincial Airlines Canada 2 MCA Airlines Sweden 2 Japan Coast Guard Japan 4

Saint-Ex Mexico 2 MRK Ukraine 2 Pakistan 1

SkyBahamas Bahamas 3 Moldavian Airlines Moldavian Rep 2 Pel-Air Australia 3

SOL Argentina 4 NextJet Sweden 4 Regional Express Australia 42

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