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Issue 27 December 2011 MARKET REPORT A PUBLICATION OF SAAB AIRCRAFT LEASING

DARWIN DEVELOPS EUROPEAN NETWORK

Plotting a new course Gulfstream international adds Saab 340Bplus AIRCRAFT and becomes message from Contents Michael Magnusson Golden Air shines as niche Swedish carrier...... 3-5

Reflecting on 2011 activity and Darwin develops European network...... 6-9 readying for next year’s priorities Flying to the finish line...... 10-12

Pinnacle positions...... 13 As 2011 draws to a close, we can look back over a busy year during which Lakeshore luxury...... 13 we transacted business on many Saab Plotting a new course 340Bplus aircraft. As we have taken Gulfstream International adds Saab 340Bplus aircraft aircraft back from Mesaba, we have found and becomes Silver Airways...... 14-16 new homes for them with both old and new customers. The 30-seat operators in Thailand expand regional service...... 17 continues to be a perfect regional aircraft choice on many regional routes. Saab Destination: Scatsta Airport, – ...... 18

We are especially pleased that a revitalized Gulfstream International in Saab 340 Global Operators Conference set for 2012...... 19 , soon to be renamed “Silver Airways”, has chosen the Saab 340Bplus aircraft to replace a large part of its Beech 1900D fleet, with an initial order for Rex wins #1 regional carrier ranking...... 19 six aircraft. We will start delivering the Saab 340Bplus aircraft before the end of 2011 to Silver Airways whose focus will remain on Florida and the Bahamas. to celebrate its 50th anniversary...... 19 (See interview with CEO Darrell Richardson on page 14.) Mark your calendar...... 19 Nok Mini in Thailand has grown to operate three Saab 340Bplus aircraft. Saab operators map...... 20 However, they have experienced a brand new challenge when their main airport in Bangkok flooded! This was certainly a first for us all. Don Mueang Airport was flooded in October forcing Nok Mini to relocate their entire operation to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Even though this caused severe disruption to their services, the airline quickly adapted by booking hotel rooms for their staff, buying a boat and continuing on! In addition, SOL is still suffering from volcanic ash in , as “Mother Nature” continues to create new challenges for many.

The Saab 340 and are proving so attractive to outside investors, that we have also been busy selling aircraft from the Saab Aircraft Leasing Cover: Swiss (SAL) portfolio. Thus far, 23 Saab aircraft have been sold to leasing companies , headquartered at in and the during this year. SAL still manages over 70 Airport, has expanded its operations with the introduction of aircraft and will continue our activities for several more years. a sixth Saab 2000 and a merger with -based airline . For 2012, I know that we will continue to be very active in the Saab 340Bplus Photo by Eryl Crump market. Mesaba will return their final Saab 340Bplus aircraft to us ending a chapter for both companies. With no new 30-seaters in production, these aircraft are attracting steady interest around the globe from current Saab 340 operators, startups and regional airlines looking to expand their services.

Saab will also celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2012, and SAL will participate in this celebration as well. Our colleagues at Saab Support and Services are already quite involved preparing for the biennial Saab 340 Operators Conference Market Report is published by that will be held in October 2012. This has become an extremely popular event Saab Aircraft Leasing that brings together Saab 340 operators, suppliers and Saab representatives Editor: Kelly Murphy in a beautiful Florida venue. I urge everyone to mark their calendars and make Emerald Media plans to attend this fun and rewarding event! [email protected]

As the year 2011 comes to a close and a new year begins, I wish everyone a Europe: Alison Chambers Emerald Media prosperous business year in 2012, for who knows what surprises it might yield! [email protected]

Design and Layout: Aeris Graphic Design [email protected]

Printed in USA, December 2011 ©2011 Saab Aircraft Michael Magnusson President and CEO, Saab Aircraft Leasing MARKET REPORT

A Saab 2000 takes off golden air shines at Stockholm-Bromma Airport for another as niche swedish Golden Air flight. carrier

Story and Photos by Eryl Crump

Anders Källsson, Managing Di- Based at Trollhättan, Sweden, operated by the airline. rector of Swedish regional airline the airline currently operates Golden Air, is very enthusiastic a large fleet of Saab 2000s “The Saab 340 and Saab 2000 about operating Saab aircraft. and Saab 340s from hubs at are perfect for our services. Our Since the airline was founded in Stockholm-Bromma Airport, route network is dominated by 1993, Golden Air has operated 20 Ängelholm-Helsingborg Air- small airports and short runways, Saab 340s and 13 Saab 2000s at port and . Five larger, and the economics of the aircraft various times. 66-seat ATR-72-500s are also are very favorable,” Källsson tells

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 3 MARKET REPORT

“The Saab 340 and Saab 2000 are perfect for our services. Our route network is dominated by small airports and short runways, and the economics of the aircraft are very favorable.”

Anders Källsson Golden Air Managing Director

SMR, proudly wearing a Saab Basic beginnings to acquire their first Saab 340. The 2000 pin on his jacket lapel. Källsson explains the airline, aircraft was used to launch its first part of the long-established route Trollhattan to Stockholm- The airline operates twice Thunbolaget (Erik Thun AB) Bromma. While it started well, daily from its base to Stockholm’s Group, whose core business is the airline ran into financial dif- downtown airport at Bromma. in ship-owning and real estate, ficulties and declared bankruptcy But the mainstay of the Golden entered airline operations quite by in 1993. Air operation is flying sched- accident. uled services on behalf of other Faced with having to dispose carriers or ad hoc charters if an In 1989, Källsson was approached of the aircraft, The Thun Group aircraft and crew are available. by the former owners of Golden decided instead to revive the Air who were in need of financing company. The company opted to

4 MARKET REPORT | December 2011 MARKET REPORT

keep the Trollhattan route alive the local team provided finance operated for the operation. A Golden Air Saab and absorb the Golden Air name. and marketing. In addition, one of the Saab 340Bs 2000 completes a is leased to NextJet. successful flight, Källsson headed the new Golden The operation, Gotlandsflyg, sporting a “virtual Air and set about exploring new proved very successful. The Opportunities on the horizon airline” color opportunities for the operation – concept has since been expanded Källsson emphasizes while the scheme, to Ronneby, an activity he continues to enjoy providing Golden Air with air- airline has no plans to expand its which is known as doing. While initial operations craft utilization and a number of own route network, it is always the Blekingeflyg were in Sweden and Norway, localities in Scandinavia with vital open to new opportunities. The operation. Golden Air was pressured to look air links. “The concept has been Saab fleet will remain the work- for different business options ow- successful for us,” says Källsson. horse of the airline’s operation ing to the arrival of new low cost with additional aircraft possibly airline operations. The current virtual airline needed in the future. operation includes flights from Building a virtual airline Stockholm Bromma to Ronneby “We stick to our niche. This is One such opportunity led the on behalf of Blekingeflyg, Sunds- what we know, and what we are company to team up with local vall on behalf of , good at. It is also rewarding for us investors on Gotland, a popular Visby on behalf of Gotlandsfly, to share our own positive experi- tourist island off the Swedish Ängelholm-Helsingborg on behalf ences flying Saab aircraft with coast to create a virtual airline of and Örnsköldsvik on others,” Källsson adds. sales organization. Golden Air behalf of Höga Kusten Flyg. All supplied crew and aircraft, while flights to and from Helsinki are

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 5 MARKET REPORT

Darwin develops EUROPEAN network Story and Photos by Eryl Crump

Swiss regional airline Darwin (US$14.85 million) in 2005 carried has increased by 250% Airline, headquartered at Lugano to CHF36 million (US$45.32 over the past five years. This Airport, has expanded their million) at the end of 2010. growth will continue with annual operations with the introduction enplanements expected to exceed Niche expansion continues of a sixth Saab 2000 and the 500,000 passengers by 2013, a merger with Geneva-based Chief Operating Officer Mau- further increase of 88% com- airline Fly Baboo (Baboo). The rizio Merlo expects the larger pared to 2010. expansion has consolidated its airline’s passenger and turnover leadership and its economic figures to double during the next “The agreement signed in performance going from a two years. At the same time, he November 2010 with Fly Baboo turnover of CHF11.8 million adds, the number of passengers SA has allowed further Darwin

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Based at ’s , Darwin Airlines is expanding with a sixth Saab 2000 and merger with Geneva-based airline Baboo.

expansion in a niche sector and national airline, Swiss, decided map on page on page 9.) Mean- geographical areas not covered to withdraw from the market. while, Baboo maintains the code- by other operators, bringing our Operations initially started with sharing agreement for service network of destinations to 20, two Saab 2000s on the Geneva from Lugano to Geneva and mainly in Switzerland, , and routes. Later two more Rome, plus seasonal flights to and ,” Merlo tells aircraft joined the fleet. In 2005 the Italian islands. Recently, the SMR. “The acquisition of certain the link between Lugano and operation has expanded outside Baboo assets allows the com- City, forged initially by of Switzerland, offering rotations pany’s strategic plan to continue, , was restored. However, within Italy from Foggia to Mi- determining acceleration, with a the flight operated via Bern was lan, and Palermo. Darwin substantial increase in produc- later withdrawn. A substantial also flies the Lugano-Zurich tion capacity,” he adds. number of charter flights are route four times daily under a operated for tour operators in wet-lease agreement with Swiss In addition to the Saab 2000s, the summer and winter at weekends. International Airlines. airline also operates two 74-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Incorporating Baboo Baboo has become well-estab- operations lished at its Geneva hub after Darwin Airline was established Darwin remains the only airline a slow start, with several links in August 2003 to operate to serve Lugano, located in started and later abandoned. flights from Lugano after the southern Switzerland. (See route The company’s final scheduled

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 7 MARKET REPORT PHOTO : M A R C O PI N CA

LUGANO AIRPORT

“Simply Direct” is Lugano Airport’s tagline Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Lugano Airport was underlining its essential role for the economy recently awarded its official Airport Certificate and tourism in Canton , Switzerland. Located by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation. “This is a very between Zurich and , the beautiful location important milestone for quality and is a culmination provides efficient services and is focused on a of a long, synergestic team effort focused on modern mobility concept. Owned by the City of providing the highest standards of service in airport Lugano, the airport provides transportation for operations,” notes Dr. Alessandro Sozzi, Lugano 200,000 passengers a year and reports a turnover of Airport SA Chief Executive Officer, underlining about 10 million Swiss francs. the certification is based on three years data. the certificate also acknowledges Lugano Airport’s safe Having met all the management and operational operational processes and high quality of service to criteria outlined by Annex 15 of the International airport users both before and after flights.

8 MARKET REPORT | December 2011 MARKET REPORT

Darwin’s 2011 Network

Zurich

Geneva Lugano Milan Venice Biarritz Turin Rimini Nice Florence St-Tropez Darwin introduced its own inflight magazine recently, Evolution. Rome Carried on all the company’s Olbia Foggia flights and distributed in 4- and Valencia 5-star hotels, airports, business- es and institutions in Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain, Evolution Crotone features articles on tourism, Palermo cultural issues, holiday advice, current affairs, as well as news Pantelleria and information on Darwin’s Lampedusa world. Published six times a year, the magazine has a circulation of 18,000 copies and is printed in Italian and French with abstracts in English.

network included links between onstrate a great financial strength Chief Operating Geneva and 10 destinations in thanks to our expansion which is Officer Maurizio southern and Eastern Europe, documented by the continuous Merlo notes the plus several summer destinations. increase in turnover.” agreement signed with Fly baboo SA has allowed Financial strength With the number of aircraft in the further Darwin expansion Darwin Chief Executive Officer fleet more than doubled, the com- in a niche sector and Fabio Parini says, “The continuing pany’s staff has grown from 80 geographical areas positive trend of financial results, employees hired in 2005 to 140 in not covered by other confirmed the recovery plan of 2010. With the inclusion of about operators, mainly in the company is well underway. 70 Baboo employees, Darwin’s Switzerland, France, Spain This is testimony that the prudent total employee count will exceed and Italy. strategy of ‘efficiency and sacri- 200 in 2011. fice’ policy is proving effective. We are proud to be able to dem-

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 9 Flying to the finish line

Story and Photos by Paul Bryson MARKET REPORT

The National Association In 2009, JGRFD became part of for Stock Car Auto Rac- the International Standard for ing — or NASCAR — began Business Aircraft Operations or IS- on the sandy beaches of BAO program. Introduced in 2002 Daytona, Florida almost 65 as a means to foster standardized, years ago and has grown safe and highly professional air- into a mega professional craft operations, IS-BAO is a busi- sport with a weekly UNITED ness aircraft operations benchmark STATES viewing audience at for safety and efficiency recog- more than 10 million fans, nized by only 400 corporate avia- second only to that of the tion departments worldwide. Their National Football League. code of best practices is based on the ICAO International Standards The fiercely competitive race and Recommended Practices; teams and their racing machines designed to help business aviation that can travel at speeds of up to operational departments achieve a 190 mph/305 kph are often well- high level of safety and profession- funded by corporate giants. These alism. JGRFD’s involvement in this sponsor-emblazoned vehicles are rigorous three-level program has equipped with high-performance dictated development of a Safety engines, finely tuned suspension/ Management System, a General steering systems and safety equip- Maintenance Manual and a major ment rivaling that of the Space revision to their Flight Operations Shuttle. This level of intensity, Manual. Additionally, they have quality and safety is also apparent developed a training program in the support organizations that specific to their department. care for each individual race team. The aircraft are meticulously Recently, SMR had the pleasure cleaned inside and out at least of visiting one of these support twice weekly with a final vacuum- organizations, the Joe Gibbs Rac- ing about an hour before depar- ing Flight Department (JGRFD) ture. Typically, the race crews are in Concord, North Carolina. transported to the track about two With 23 employees on the books, days prior to the race with about JGRFD operates two Saab 2000s 120 boardings performed over the and one Lear 31. The visit included course of a four-day race sched- a round-trip flight to the Laco- ule. Special attention is placed on nia Municipal Airport in New flights of longer duration such as Hampshire. the trips to Napa Valley, Califor- Seamless safety standards nia. Not only does this cross-coun- JGRFD’s staff is a well-blended try endeavor require stowage of a group of full-time and part-time small aircraft spares depot, it also employees. In fact, four of the ten stocks several vital race car parts. pilots are part-time and six of the “Proper planning is very impor- seven flight attendants perform tant,” Ivan Beach, JGRFD Direc- on a part-time basis. The key is tor-Aviation notes, “and thank- correctly integrating the part-time fully, the Saab 2000 is an incredibly staff into the organization. Each reliable asset. In fact, we have only employee, whether part-time had one cancellation throughout or full-time, is treated equally the course of the 2011 race season. and is expected to know and That cancellation was quickly fully understand the department’s remedied with a rapid response by flows, check lists, verbiage, and our staff and repositioning of our procedures. This standardization second Saab 2000.” provides a seamless incorporation of talents. P H OTO: Ty ler B arrick , autostock usa MARKET REPORT | December 2011 11 MARKET REPORT

Boarding a race crew flight on the Saab 2000 the narrow taxiways. The race crew quickly disembarks as the New Hampshire Motor Speedway is their final destination. After we refuel and Stepping into the JGRFD offices at Concord Regional Airport, one could purchase take-out lunch at the local FBO, our turn is quickly behind us. quickly tell by the hustle and bustle of the early morning staff that a The Saab 2000 steadfastly perches itself at FL280 for its return trip to flight event was in the process. Maintenance and flight crew (and even North Carolina. cleaning staff) were on-hand finalizing the necessary details. Ivan Beach, JGRFD Director-Aviation, explains “even though each flight might be Like a NASCAR race the turns around the racetracks are numbered, but routine to the race crews, they are unique episodes for the aviation staff. the driver’s movements, anticipated thoughts and reactions necessary No expenses are spared on this operation, and we expect only the best to navigate these turns are innumerous. It is a fast-paced event full of possible outcome from every flight.” Even the hangar floor reflects a continual planning, adjustments, accelerations, decelerations, and even sheen of professionalism! cautions. Much like a NASCAR race, flight operations departments re- quire absolute precision with the very same disciplines. Thanks to proper Safety and training are at the forefront of the organization and a walk planning, thorough training, high safety standards and the extremely through their offices, which are decorated with daily planners, weekly reliable Saab 2000, the Joe Gibbs Racing Flight Department brings their schedules and calendars laden with notes, is evidence of that. “Every- own version of the checkered flag back to Concord every time. one in the organization experiences at least one training event annually. And since many in the flight operation group are cross-trained, most participate in three or four events annually,” Beach tells SMR.

As I board a Saab 2000 flight destined for the next race, the APU hums softly, and the team is in the midst of boarding the 370-knot turboprop while the crew stows the luggage. Once the last race team member and their accompanying luggage is on board, the weight and balance is finalized and Captains Doug Runyon and Jim Tobias brief the passen- gers with weather, time en route and expected routing. Flight Attend- ant Teresa Duncan and her assistant Elizabeth make certain that the passengers on board are briefed accordingly and supplied with snacks and soft drinks. The flight to New Hampshire cruises at FL250 with ATC guiding the way. The Saab 2000 lands effortlessly on the 5,890 ft/ 1,795 m at the Laconia Municipal Airport and easily navigates

12 MARKET REPORT | December 2011 Photos: LakeshoreExpress.com Charlevoix and Mackinac Island. Michigan’s beautifulCheboygan, Chicagonecting with Northern con- offeringservice scheduled summer this Saab 340service erator Lakeshore Express launched campaign, UScharter anew op- gan’s “Pure Michigan” tourism Capitalizing on state the of Michi- MARKET Lakeshore Luxu 2011. Menke, 42,brings 20years of PhilTrenarysucceeded on July 1, Group LLC inDenver, Colorado, aging at partner Vista Strategic veteran airline executive and man- Presidentnew and CEO. Menke, a summer Menke with Sean as its executivenew appointments this nacle Airlines Corp. announced Longtime Saab 340operator Pin- P Pinnacle Sean Menke os REPORT |December 2011 i t i o n to Pellston Regional Airport from Chicago’s Midway Airport complimentary inflight cocktail (30 seats), parking, free and a featuring plentyservice of legroom passengers comfortable inflight star Aviation Charter, Inc. offers with its Carrier, Penta- Lakeshore Express Aviation, along and CFO, succeeding Peter Hunt. recently as its Vice new President joined Pinnacle also Christie, Vista Strategic Group colleague, CEO of . Menke’s Holdings Inc and President and ing Officer Republic of Airways Vice President and Market Chief - he previously as Executive served airline management as experience, Ted Christie s r snowmobile trails and more. golf courses, lakes, skifacilities, enjoy area’s the acclaimed beaches, allowcustomers flights will to driving. The year-roundscheduled leg of trip, their as compared to passengers by five hours off each of reduces travel the service for time in Northern Michigan. The air for Mesaba Aviation. ViceSenior President-Operations Spanjers retain also title of the will haswho resigned from Pinnacle. Doug Shockey,place VP and COO President John Spanjers re will - Airlines.tier In addition, Mesaba Vice President and CFOof Fron- was previouslyChristie Senior John Spanjers y MARKET Northe rn Michigan. loca Regional Airport, Airport toPellston Chicago’s Midw on aSaab340from boards p Lakeshore Express ted inbeautiful assengers REPORT a y 13 MARKET REPORT

plotting a new course Gulfstream International adds Saab 340Bplus aircraft and BECOMES Silver Airways

By Kelly Murphy

Gulfstream International Airlines “By combining a great airline with service to local passengers and con- is re-emerging and building on its a financially sound investment tinue to build on this airline’s strong long history of providing quality air company it allows you to create the market presence in the Bahamas.” service in Florida and the Bahamas. dream airline,” CEO Darrell Rich- Buoyed by the recent purchase ardson tells SMR, underlining, “The Originally founded in 1988, the of six Saab 340Bplus aircraft, the 34-seat Saab 340Bplus and its Gen- “new” Gulfstream International recently re-named Silver Airways eration III cabin, equipped with an Airlines was formed when most of will add enhanced customer service active noise reduction system and a the company’s assets were acquired with the modern and efficient 34- lavatory, will better position Silver out of bankruptcy in May 2011 by seat class turboprop. Airways to offer a higher quality of Victory Park Capital, a Chicago,

Gulfstream International Airlines/Silver Airways timeline: 1980 1990 2000 2010

1988 1990 1992 Founded by Thomas L. Cooper, Gulfstream is granted a permit Service begins to Freeport from Ft. Gulfstream operates initially as to operate scheduled flights into Lauderdale. an “on-demand” charter airline six additional destinations in the serving south Florida, Cuba and the Bahamian Islands. 1993 Bahamas. Service begins to Nassau from Ft. 1991 Lauderdale. Granted additional route authority between and Freeport, 1994 Bahamas. Gulfstream signs a code-share agreement with .

14 MARKET REPORT | December 2011 MARKET REPORT

“The 34-seat Saab 340Bplus and its Generation III cabin, equipped with an active noise reduction system and a lavatory, will better position Silver Airways to offer a higher quality of service…

Darrell Richardson Silver Airways CEO

Illinois-based investment firm Beech 1900 fleet on a one-for-one Serving EAS markets that provides direct financing basis in the Florida and Bahamas Meanwhile, the 1900s will con- solutions to small cap and middle market. tinue to operate in Essential Air market companies. The official Service markets from Cleveland, name of the new airline is now The first aircraft will be delivered in Ohio under a United Airlines code Silver Airways Corp. December 2011, and the remain- share with four aircraft to seven ing will be delivered by July 2012. markets in New York, Pennsylva- Operating under United States “We will evaluate additional nia, Ohio and West . In FAR 121 regulations, Silver aircraft as they become available,” , the 19-seaters will fly Airways flies more than 100 daily says Richardson, noting he has under the Silver Airways brand scheduled flights as well as charter vast experience with the Saab 340. with a reservation hosting agree- service to and from 31 gateways in “I have operated the Saab 340 at ment from of Hawaii. Florida, the Bahamas, Montana, several different airlines in the Currently, four 1900s are dedicated Ohio, New York, and past, and Saab has always stepped to serve eight cities in Montana. . up and provided excellent product support.” Selecting the Saab 340 Speaking from the airline’s Fort While Victory Park Capital Lauderdale headquarters, Rich- With 500 employees (115 are pilots), brought much needed financial ardson notes the Saab aircraft will Silver Airways will be adding ap- strength to Silver Airways — just offer improved cabin service for proximately 25 flight attendants as important — they brought a its passengers and will replace the for the new Saab 340Bplus flights. whole new approach to the busi-

1980 1990 2000 2010 1994 2003 2005 2010 Acquisition of Beech 1900C Service begins to Governor’s Service begins to Tallahassee Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. introduces new service between Harbor, Georgetown, and Cat Island from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. 2011 Tampa-Miami and Nassau. in the Bahamas and Jacksonville, Gulfstream expands to Pensacola, New Company, VPAA Co. dba Florida. Fort Walton Beach and Andros 1995 Gulfstream International Airlines, Town. Company retires last Cessna 402 2004 Inc., created with Victory Park and becomes an all jet-prop airline. Service begins to Gainesville and 2006 Capital’s acquisition of Gulfstream’s Tallahassee. Service begins daily to Bimini from assets. Hub in Montana added. 1997 Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Reach purchase agreement with Gulfstream signs long-term code 2004 Saab for six former Mesaba Saab share agreement with Continental Gulfstream introduces Embraer 2007 340Bplus aircraft. Airlines. Brasilia aircraft to increase capacity. Gulfstream International Airlines becomes a public company. 2011 Gulfstream gains DOT approval to 2008 change name to Silver Airways. Hub in Cleveland added.

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 15 MARKET REPORT

The new Saab 340Bplus aircraft will replace Route Map Beech 1900 routes on a one-for-one basis in Pensacola

Florida and the Bahamas Tallahassee market.

The 1900s will continue to operate in the Essential

Air Service markets in Orlando Ohio and Montana. Tampa

Freeport Treasure Cay West Palm Beach Grand Marsh Harbour

Fort Lauderdale Bahama

Miami*

* The Abacos *

* Bimini

*

* North Eleuthera

*

* Nassau Governor’s Harbour *

Key West * Eleuthera

* Andros *

* Town

Cat Island *

*

*

* Andros

*

*

*

*

* Havana* Georgetown *** Cuba Route is Charter Service Only: ALL CUBA The Exumas Charters are subject to U.S. Government approval. Alliance Partnerships & Frequent Flyer Programs

ness, Richardson shares with SMR. types of turboprop aircraft as part CEO. With his more than 40 years “Their value creation strategy is of a thorough selection process. of experience, Richardson is the centered on a strong partnership In the end, Saab offered a superior former CEO of Air Turks & Caicos with our leadership team. We and proven product that we be- and and has held call it ‘management on steroids’. lieve will lead our company to con- senior positions at Continental, OnePass is ’ As part of our long standing OnePass is Continental Airlines’ Introducing aaw neward-wi attitudenning frequent of hard fl yer tinued excellence.Code-sha Withre partnership an indus with - Air Floridaaw andard-w Mesabainning freque Airlines,nt fl yer work, creativity,progra honestym. When y ouand en roopenll, you try wide Gulfstdispatchream International reliability Airlines, of over you where he pservedrogram. Whenas COO you en fromroll, you earn mileage every time you fl y can earn miles on earn mileage every time you fl y communication, Cont Victoryinental Co nParknectio n— 99% we’llfl ights be operated able to by continueGulfstream International to 1995 to Co p2000.a Airlin eOthers, Gulfst keyream appointcoded fl ights- — mileage good for free travel rewards. when booked with a United Airlines mileage good for free travel rewards. Capital has enabled the airline achieve ourcod e“D0” and fl ightoperational number. To en goalsroll in mentsT includeo enroll in OnePass,Chief Operating call (800) 523- FARE to improveTo enitsroll management in OnePass, call (800) tools 523- FARE for excellence.”Mileage Plus Importantly, call (800) 421-4655 the or visit Officer Davidor visit Querio,the web site Chief at: or visit the web site at: the web site at: www.ual.com. www.continental.com such as a new ITw wplatform,w.continenta lelec.com- newly refurbished Saab 340Bplus’ Financial Officer Curtis Berchtold, *Valid on United & Gulfstream *Valid on Copa & Gulfstream tronic manuals,*Valid on technical all Continental opera Connection- will enable SilverInternational Airways Airlines to fur - Vice President-HumanInternational Airlines Resources tions software,fl ights a operatednew accounting by Gulfstream ther develop itsC relationshipode-share fl ights .with Donna Tipsword,Code -Viceshare fl Presidentights. International Airlines. system and a new state-of-the-art the United/ Technical Operations Peter Barry System Operations Control Center codeshare and look to expand in and Vice President-Marketing & (SOCC). Florida and the Bahamas, accord- Sales Matthew Holliday. ing to Richardson. The underpinnings of these With the new Saab 340Bplus fleet improvements are fostered by the New management arriving shortly, it appears Silver introduction of the new fleet of The addition of a highly expe- Airways is well on its way to becom- Saab aircraft and a new executive rienced aviation executive team ing “the dream airline.” leadership team. Richardson notes, was implemented in the summer, “We analyzed several different with Richardson at the helm as

16 MARKET REPORT | December 2011 MARKET REPORT

Saab 340 operators in Thailand expand regional airline service

FEMALE PURPLE BIRD FEATURES EYELASHES.

Known for its colorful bird liveries, Nok Mini has recently added a third Saab340Bplus increasing its presence at its main base at Bangkok’s down- town Don Mueang Airport. Three weekly flights service Phrae, located in the north of Thailand.

A Saab 340A has joined Solar Air’s fleet of Dornier 228s operating flights out of the domestic Don Mueang Airport. in Bangkok to destinations in northeast Thailand.

A third regional airline operator in Thailand, Happy Air, has upgraded its Saab 340B model. Based on the southern island of Phuket, Happy Air will MALE BIRD SHOWCASES ORANGE LIVERY AND connect several destinations in southern Thailand with the new interna- FEMALE BIRD PINK LIVERY. tional airport Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok.

Nok Mini’s Sant Sangwornrachasup, Assistant Vice President-Government & Project Sales, (left) and Dr. Jain Charnnarong, President and CEO, (right) in Bangkok.

Solar Air takes a Saab 340A.

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 17 MARKET REPORT saab destination BY paul bryson

Scatsta Airport, Shetland – Scotland At the end of WWII the war-time needs dis- 12 roundtrip flights daily from ABZ. After the (IATA: SCS – ICAO: EGPM) solved. This left the base in a dormant state 55-minute trip into SCS from ABZ, the oil crew for more than 30 years and in the latter part of personnel travels with to a The Saab 340 has always been known as an 1970, the decision was made to re-open SCS collection of oil rigs around the islands. aircraft capable of multiple roles. From its very as a reliever for , which is popular passenger and cargo platforms to spe- located on the southern tip of the mainland. During construction of SCS in 1940, 44 cialized operations including executive shuttle Sumburgh was overwhelmed with offshore oil- pipe mines were laid under the runways and and , the “Destination” we related traffic. taxiways. These 6 in/15 cm wide sections of find our Saab 340 flying into this issue, further pipe, that were as large as 80 ft/24.5 m, were emphasizes the aircraft’s flexibility. Of the original two runways built at SCS in the laden with high explosives and intended to be early 1940s, only one (07/25), which had a new detonated in the event of an invasion. Over the Located on Scotland’s Shetland Islands about runway (06/24) overlaid on top of it, remains years, the explosives were dug up and removed 200 nm or 365 km northeast of Aberdeen active, while the other (13/31) became a park- and ‘Operation Crabstick Scatsta’ in 1996 found (ABZ), Scatsta Airport (SCS), was originally ing area for visiting aircraft and equipment. army personnel removing all the mines in an developed during World War II as an RAF Runway 06/24 is made of asphalt and is 4462 effort to assure the local population that all was fighter air base used to support the Costal ft/1360 m in length. Airport upgrades currently indeed safe. Command’s Catalina and Sunderland flying underway at SCS include construction of a new boat operation. This operation was primarily air traffic control tower. Future plans include used to search the North Atlantic for German refurbishing the terminal building. U-boats. Toward the end of WWII, the airport requirements transitioned over to a diversion Currently, all of the fixed wing service into SCS point and support center for the RAF’s Avro is provided on a Monday through Friday char- built Lancasters that made up the famous “Dam ter basis by Saab 2000 operator Busters” Squadron 617. dedicating four Saab 2000s and managing up to

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Saab 340 Global Operators Loganair to celebrate Conference set for 2012 its 50th Anniversary

Building on a successful 2010 conference with nearly 300 JOIN US attendees from 27 countries represented by 41 Saab 340 operators, the biennial Saab 340 Global Operators Conference will return to Clearwater, Florida at the Sheraton Sand Key from October 8-11, 2012. Loganair’s Scott Grier Save the date for next year’s four- SAAB 340 day event and email GLOBAL Loganair will celebrate its [email protected] for OPERATORS 50th anniversary on February additional information. CONFERENCE October 8th – 11th, 2012 1, 2012, and recently shared its story with Scotland’s newspaper The Herald.

Amidst tough economic condi- Rex wins #1 For the third consecutive year, Re- tions, severe winter weather and gional Express Holdings (Rex) was volcanic ash, the Scottish regional Regional the top performer in the regional airline has posted a profit for 11 airline category of Aviation Week consecutive years. A longtime Saab Carrier & Space Technology’s 2011 Airline 340 operator, Chairman and major- Rankings. With the winning score ity owner Scott Grier tells The Her- Ranking of 66. Australian regional Rex is ald: “We are very proud we are still the largest Saab 340 operator in here. Over that 50 years, we have the world with 46 aircraft. US Saab had an awful lot of ups and downs. 340 operator Pinnacle Airlines We are the (UK) airline operating Corp. captured #6 in the maga- longest under its original name. zine’s ranking of regional carriers Every other airline we have seen with a score of 33. has changed its name or gone out of business. We have seen an awful (Aviation Week subscribers can go lot of aviation companies come and to: AviationWeek.com/awin/TPA go in that 50 years.” for expanded rankings tables with breakouts for each airline’s scores (See link for full story in five categories) http://bit.ly/tQdr0w)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR…

2012 FEBRUARY JULY 14-19 SINGAPORE AIRSHOW Singapore 9-15 FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW Farnborough, England 21-23 AACA ANNUAL CONVENTION Fairbanks, , USA SEPTEMBER MARCH 19-21 ERA GENERAL ASSEMBLY Dublin, Ireland 18-20 ISTAT AMERICAS 2012 Scottsdale, Arizona, USA OCTOBER MAY 8-11 SAAB 340 GLOBAL OPERATORS Clearwater, Florida, USA CONFERENCE 8-10 RACCA SPRING CONFERENCE Scottsdale, Arizona, USA 10-12 RAAA CONVENTION Coolum, Queensland, 14-16 EBACE Geneva, Switzerland Australia 21-24 RAA CONVENTION Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

MARKET REPORT | December 2011 19 MARKET REPORT

OPERATIONAL STATUS SAAB 340 399 operational aircraft 71 operators in 34 countries 14.34 million flight hours 16.01 million flights SAAB 340 SAAB 2000 SAAB 2000 58 operational aircraft SAAB 340 & 2000 15 operators in 11 countries 1.34 million flight hours 1.29 million flights

(as of October 2011)

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

Aerolineas MAS Dominican Rep. 1 TAG Guatemala 1 Overland Airways Nigeria 1

Aerolineas Sosa Honduras 1 Transwest 3 Polet Airlines Russia 5 5

Air Panama Panama 2 Vigo Jet Mexico 1 RAF-AVIA Latvia 2

Air Sunshine USA 3 Western Air Bahamas 4 Ryjet Spain 1

Aloha Air Cargo USA 2 Europe, ME & Africa Saab Corporate Sweden 2 1

Bearskin Canada 1 Air Aland 3 SkyTaxi 2

Calm Air Canada 5 Airfast Congo 1 Solinair 3

Calspan USA 1 Avion Express Lithuania 3 South Airlines Ukraine 2

Colgan Airways USA 33 Romania 3 SprintAir Poland 12

Delta Connection USA 9 Romania 8 Sweden 5

Exec Direct Jamaica 1 Central Connect Airlines 8 United Arab Emirates UAE 3

Flight Works USA 1 Club Saab 340 Liechtenstein 1 Asia-Pacific

Hendrick Motorsports R USA 3 CTK Network Aviation Ghana 3 Air Rarotonga Cook Islands 1

IBC Airways USA 12 Darwin Airline Switzerland 6 Eznis Airways Mongolia 4

Creole VA USA 1 Direct Aero Services Romania 4 Happy Air Travel Thailand 1

Joe Gibbs Racing USA 2 DOT Lithuania 2 Hokkaido Air System 3

Lakeshore Express USA 1 Eastern Airways Great Britain 8 Japan Air Commuter Japan 11

Líneas Aéreas del Estado Argentina 4 Estonian Air Regional Estonia 2 Japan Civil Aviation Bureau Japan 2

Mesaba USA 7 Fleet Air 2 Japan Coast Guard Japan 4

Pacific Coastal Airlines Canada 5 Golden 3 9 Nok Mini Thailand 3

Pegasus Air Cayman Islands 1 Loganair Great Britain 16 Pel-Air Australia 3

PenAir USA 11 Mali Air Express Mali 2 Regional Express Australia 48

Provincial Airlines Canada 2 Moldavian Airlines Moldavian Rep 2 Thailand 2

SST Aero Services USA 2 MRK Ukraine 2 Solar Air Thailand 1

SkyBahamas Bahamas 4 NextJet Sweden 13 Vincent Aviation Australia 2

SOL Argentina 6 OLT 1 3

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