The Saab 340 is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner and one of Sweden’s most successful commercial aircraft. It’s a familiar sight in many regional airports around the world and known for its reliability, ruggedness, and low operating costs.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Regional passenger and utility aircraft
• Manufacturer: Saab AB (with Fairchild in early stages)
• First flight: January 25, 1983
• Introduced: 1984
• Production ended: 1999
• Total built: 459 aircraft

🛠️ Key Specs (Saab 340B):

• Engines: 2 × General Electric CT7-9B turboprops
• Cruise speed: ~280 knots (320 mph / 520 km/h)
• Range: ~1,000–1,300 nautical miles (1,850–2,400 km)
• Service ceiling: ~25,000 ft (7,620 m)
• Seating: Typically 30–36 passengers
• Crew: 2 pilots + 1 cabin crew (in most commercial configs)
• Cabin: Pressurized

🔍 Design Features:

• High-wing design – Keeps engines and props away from ground debris
• T-tail – Helps with stability and easier handling at slower speeds
• Short runway capability – Good for remote or smaller airports
• Pressurized and climate-controlled cabin
• Efficient in fuel consumption compared to regional jets

🧳 Use Cases:

• Regional airlines – Very popular in North America, Europe, and Australia
• Military & Government – Surveillance, transport, and maritime patrol (used by countries like Sweden, Japan, Argentina)
• Cargo conversions – Many are still flying today as freighters
• Private/Corporate – Some have been converted into VIP or company shuttles

🛠️ Notable Variants:

• Saab 340A: Original model, introduced 1984
• Saab 340B: Improved version (1989) with more powerful engines, better performance
• Saab 340B Plus: Enhanced interior and performance upgrades (1994)
• Saab 340 AEW&C: Airborne early warning version with radar dome (used by Sweden, UAE, Thailand)

✅ Pros:

• Low operating costs
• Great performance for short- to medium-haul
• Strong safety record
• Easy to maintain and operate

❌ Cons:

• Smaller cabin compared to regional jets
• Slower than jets (but more efficient on short hops)
• Noisy cabin near the engines (though better in later versions)

🛫 Legacy:

Even though production stopped in 1999, hundreds of Saab 340s are still flying today, especially in roles like:

• Short regional routes
• Cargo
• Maritime patrol
• Surveillance

It's considered one of the most successful 30-seat turboprops of all time.