Castle Aviation (CSJ, Akron Regional) took delivery of its first two Saab 340(F)s on dry-lease from Jetstream Aviation Capital, the lessor announced in a press release.
N431BC (msn 340B-620), a 28.5-year-old turboprop previously operated by IBC Airways (II, Miami International), was ferried to Akron Regional on November 21, 2019, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows. The second unit, N329AE (msn 340B-329), a 27.2-year-old aircraft formerly with American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth), arrived in Akron on December 19, 2019. Both aircraft were converted from passenger turboprops.
The aircraft will be used for ad-hoc cargo charter and Castle Aviation's scheduled operations on behalf of "a major international logistics integrator".
The Ohio-based Part 135 carrier plans to take a further two Saab (Sweden) freighters from Jetstream Aviation Capital.
Castle Aviation's current fleet includes three Metroliners, eight Cessna (single turboprop) 208B Caravans, five Piper (twin piston) Aerostars, and one Piper Meridian.
Between 2004 and 2005, Castle Aviation operated a single Saab 340A(F), N641BC (msn 340A-069) as the global launch customer for the converted variant of the turboprop. The aircraft currently operates for IBC Airways.
