Saab 340B

The Saab 340B seats 33-36 passengers in a standard all-economy 1-2 seating arrangement. The cabin is compact at just 2.16 m wide, with one seat on the left side of the aisle and two on the right. Despite its small size, the aircraft features pressurized cabin and air conditioning, offering jet-like comfort for short hops.

The Saab 340B has a maximum range of approximately 1,551 km (837 nautical miles). The 340B+ variant extends this to 1,732 km with increased engine power. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric CT7-9B turboprop engines driving four-blade composite propellers. Typical cruise speed is around 467 km/h, making it suitable for routes under two hours.

The Saab 340B seats about 34 passengers compared to the Dash 8-300's 50, placing them in different size categories. The Dash 8-300 has a wider cabin and greater range. However, the Saab 340B has lower operating costs per flight hour, making it more economical on very thin routes. The Saab 340B uses a low-wing design while the Dash 8 is a high-wing aircraft, giving them distinctly different appearances.

The Saab 340B is a small, low-wing turboprop with two engines mounted on the wings and a conventional tail. It has a distinctive angular nose and relatively large cabin windows for its size. The aircraft sits low to the ground, and passengers typically board via built-in airstairs at the rear door. The four-blade propellers and compact, sleek fuselage give it a proportional appearance.

No, Saab ended production of the 340B in 1999 after delivering 459 aircraft across all variants (340A, 340B, 340B+). The decision to exit the commercial aviation market was driven by low profit margins and intense competition. However, many Saab 340s remain in active service with regional airlines in Australia, the United States, and Scandinavia. The type has proven remarkably durable, with some airframes exceeding 30 years of service.