Loganair sells Saab planes in US$12million deal

Loganair has moved to complete and renew the fleet operating on its Highlands and Islands routes by the end of 2023, selling the remaining eight Saab 340 aircraft in a US$12million sale agreement.

The airline, which operates 42 aircraft and flies 70 routes, is set to welcome eight new ATR turboprops into its fleet next year, which will deliver a reduction of up to 27% in carbon emissions per seat. The older Saab aircraft are set to go to undisclosed airline operators in North America.

Loganair already has 15 ATR aircraft in service, which includes four ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft, and the addition of these eight new craft will make it one of the largest operators of ATR aircraft in Europe.

Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive of Loganair, said: “The Saab 340s have served us, and our customers, superbly well over the last two decades but it’s time for us to transition to a new generation of aircraft.

“In selecting our future fleet, it’s important to have an aircraft which builds upon our environmental credentials while withstanding island weather conditions and providing accessibility for all customers…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.”