Turboprop Airliner
Saab 340
Range
935 NM
Cruise speed
282 kts
Seats
33-34
History
Saab developed the 340 with Fairchild as a regional airliner of around 30 seats, built for short and medium-haul routes. It first flew in 1983 and entered service in 1984, and its twin General Electric CT7 turboprops gave regional airlines efficient, economical operation. Airlines around the world took it up in numbers.
The original 340A was followed by the 340B, which had more powerful engines. Production ran until 1999. The programme gave Saab, until then known mainly for military aircraft, a reputation in commercial aviation, and it led on to the company's later work on larger aircraft through partnerships and acquisitions.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Saab 340 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Saab AB |
| Aircraft category | turboprop airliner |
| ICAO Designator | SF34 |
| Start/End of Production | 1984 - 1999 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 935 NM (1732 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 1600 NM (2963 km) |
| Cruise speed | 282 kts (522 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 250 KIAS |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 252 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 120 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1285 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 1030 m |
| Rate of Climb | 2010 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 25000 ft |
| Thrust | 1750 shp |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turboprop |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x General Electric CT7 turboprops |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins APS-85 autopilot, EFIS-85 / EFD-86 CRT, AHS-85 AHRS, Pro Line II |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 19.73 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 6.97 m |
| Wing span | 21.44 m |
| Cabin height | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Cabin length | 10.39 m (34.08 ft) |
| Cabin width | 2.16 m (7.08 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 8.35 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 33-34 |
| Seats (max) | 37 |
| Suitcases | 30 |
| Carry-on luggage | 30 |
| Maximum payload | 3400 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 13155 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 12925 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 3220 L |
FAQ
What is the Saab 340's seating capacity?
Most aircraft are configured with 33 or 34 seats, and some operators fit up to 37. The cabin is 10.39 metres long, 2.16 metres wide and 1.83 metres high, which gives reasonable comfort on regional sectors. With 8.35 cubic metres of baggage space, there is room for about 30 suitcases and 30 carry-on bags.
How far can the Saab 340 fly?
Its range with IFR reserves is 935 nautical miles (1,732 km), and the ferry range for positioning without passengers is 1,600 nautical miles. That limits it to short-haul work: linking smaller cities with major hubs, serving islands or moving a large group between regional airports.
What is the Saab 340's cruise speed?
It cruises at 282 knots (522 km/h), competitive among turboprop airliners of its size. Jets cruise considerably faster, but the 340's speed is well matched to short and medium regional routes. Its service ceiling is 25,000 feet.
Saab 340 or Dornier 328: how do they compare?
The two turboprops are similar in size and performance, and both serve the regional market well. The Saab seats 33 or 34 in a typical layout and has a long record of reliability with airlines and civil operators, which makes it a dependable option for a group charter on regional routes.
What are the Saab 340's strengths and limits for a group charter?
Its main strength is capacity at good value: more than 30 seats for short-haul trips, in an aircraft with a reputation for reliability built up across regional airlines worldwide. The limits come from its turboprop design, which gives it less range and a lower cruise speed than a jet, so it is best kept to regional routes.
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the 340 type, not a specific aircraft. Saab AB and 340 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.