Saabs in ATL
 

Does anyone know approximately how many of Mesaba's Saab's are coming to ATL? I've heard 2 to 32, but can't find any published info... And if it's closer to 32 where are they going to park them?

So far, it's been estimated to be 12.

Just to fly to Hilton Head?

Delta plans to open Saab 340 base at Atlanta hub


Here is the link to the story you're looking for. This is all that's been made public as of yet.

Where do you get your info from? 12 is almost 25% of our fleet. I have a real hard time believing that. The only way I can see this number is if there is significant downsizing at MEM.

Atlantic Aviation:D

delta has made nothing public about how many saabs will be put in ATL. The word from mesaba and its only "the word" nothing firm is that most of those saabs will come from detroit.... possibly. But nobody knows how many or anything else of that matter. The only time we will know is when Delta officially says how many or you go out and count them on the ramp yourself. There is just no way to tell yet.

That is the rumor I'm hearing as well... that most of the 12 will come from DTW, maybe a few from MSP, none from MEM.

Supposedly this is 2nd to 3rd hand from JR.

Where to park 'em? I'd start with the remote pads at E-Concourse..

How about the same spots on D that the 12 ATR's were parking?

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.