Well yeah, if it's closer to 12, but if it's closer to 30 Saab's, which I've heard from 2 people so far, then they will have to hunt for more spaces.

If that's the case then were will ASA put there 900's? :D

Again, "From What's Been Said", they are looking to replace the 12 ATR's that are going away. You are right and why I said "estimated", nothing firm has been established. I've been told, "around" 12 from MSP from someone in the "know" but not high enough up the ladder to be concrete.

Good enough for this site to get the juices flowing. :)

Also, someone already mentioned it but JR has said the Saab's will come from DTW and MSP, not MEM.

This is from info I posted on a different forum. It is 1st hand from JR (Mesaba's DFO). So yes, it's basically just a glorified rumor.

12 Saabs wouldn't replace 12 ATRs. I think they're probably just trying to replace the less profitable routes (and hilton head) with turboprops so they don't have to burn a lot of jet fuel.

Ahh hell ! We've got plenty of room for them at our new base on Fantasy Island ...

Nothing can replace the mighty ATR! NOTHING!!!

All joking aside, a Saab 340 would be the WORST replacement except maybe a Brasilia. The thing will be weight limited on most of the ASA ATR routes, especially when winter and bad weather with lots of alternates arrives.

I heard they plan to fly it to MYR. Good luck taking off out of MYR with 34 people, all those golf clubs, and flying two hours to ATL with an alternate of BHM. They might be able to take 28 people. Mind you, ATRs can take 66 people and full cargo in that situation, and we're usually full out of MYR.

As for HXD (HHH) the Saab will be severely weight limited when it gets hot again.

I'm really surprised Delta isn't setting Colgan up with some Q400s to fly our routes. I think that's what everyone expected. The Saab thing was the last thing anyone expected, and I'm wondering if it's intentional misinformation they put out through the rumor mills as a red herring.

I have never seen the Saab take 34 on ANY route since the pax weights were upped a few years ago. Most I saw was 33 SBN-DTW and I still wonder if the rampies pulled some shenanigans with the cargo to make it happen.

My point exactly. ASA ATRs usually take off full in all but the worst weather.

Granted yes the actual problem in that scenario is seating capacity. We do rarely take 34 but with the usual 28 people or so plus cargo and fuel for weather it can be done. I mean cmon look where these saabs are flown...... Upper midwest and canada some of the worst weather you can find so fuel for alternates is a very familiar issue for our little pink saabs.