Loganair (LM, Glasgow International) says it has sold its eight remaining Saab 340Bs for GBP12 million pounds (USD13.6 million) and will lease eight new-generation ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops to gradually replace them by July 2023.
The Scottish regional carrier said the ATRs would replace the Saab 340Bs on the Highland and Island routes. They will be equipped with satellite-based approach systems to ensure improved reliability in the region's frequently foggy weather. While the airline indicated that at least some of the new aircraft would be ATR42-600s, it did not confirm that all of them would be of this variant.
Loganair said that it had already signed "the first of a series" of new leasing agreements with Abelo Capital Aviation, a new lessor for the airline's fleet. The new batch of ATRs will debut in the first quarter of 2023. Loganair plans to deploy them from Glasgow International to Islay, Benbecula, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Londonderry City of Derry, and Stornoway.
"Our multi-million-pound investment in ATR aircraft will safeguard connectivity for future generations within the Highlands and Islands air network, on which so many communities depend. We serve the vast majority of air routes in the Highlands and Islands on a purely commercial basis, with no direct subsidy - unlike other forms of transport - and are funding the introduction of new aircraft ourselves," Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said.
The ch-aviation fleets module shows the carrier's remaining Saab (Sweden) planes are 31.7 years old on average. The airline did not disclose the identity of the buyer but said that the aircraft would continue to operate in North America.
Loganair, which is currently for sale, already operates a sizeable ATR fleet comprising five ATR42-500s, two ATR42-600s, four ATR72-500(F)s, and four ATR72-600s. Its fleet also includes one DHC-6-300, two DHC-6-400s, two E135s, thirteen E145s, two BN-2s, and two inactive Saab 340A(F)s.
