Swedish MRO provider Täby Air Maintenance (TAM) has flown the dedicated freighter version of the Saab 2000 fast turboprop for the first time from the company’s base at Örebro.
The initial flight of the Saab 2000F Cargo focused on systems tests, as the aircraft had been in TAM’s workshops since autumn 2022 for the extensive rebuild as a freighter as well as for regular maintenance and an avionics upgrade.
The 45-minute flight went well, with all systems working as expected, the company said. Further flight testing will begin in mid-March.
The new conversion has been developed in collaboration with launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital of Miami. Jetstream Aviation Capital describes itself as the world’s largest lessor focused exclusively on commercially operated turboprop regional aircraft and engines.
“Despite some delays in the conversion process, I am glad to see that we now are back on track with the Saab 2000F,” TAM MD Pär Gulle said. “We are very much looking forward to adding this new aircraft to our long line of Saab 340 cargo conversions that continue to attract operators worldwide, with a vast number of additional conversions in the coming the next 12-18 months.”
The Saab 2000F Cargo will feature six net-divided loading bays, in addition to the current passenger aircraft cargo compartments, with all bays meeting 9G-approval requirements.
Total cargo volume for the aircraft will be 55.4 m³ (1960 ft.³), with a target maximum payload of 6,622 kg (14,600 lbs.). However, for operations under U.S. FAR Part 135, maximum payload will be limited to 3,402 kg.
“The Saab 2000 in cargo configuration will offer regional cargo operators the best overall performance, cargo weight and volume value proposition on the market,” Jetstream Aviation Capital’s VP of marketing and sales Donald Kamenz said.
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