Turboprops Will Replace Fokker F27s

Sometimes, only a turboprop will do the job. Saab Aircraft Leasing announced this week the formal decision of the Argentine Air Force to buy four Saab 340B aircraft during 2008 and 2009. This is a culmination of a four-year process to select a new middle-size transport aircraft for the Argentine Air Force.

The total budget for the aircraft and logistic support package is approximately $34 million US, spread over five years. Saab Aerotech, which also helped arrange the sale, tells ANN the aircraft will replace older Fokker F27s used to serve remote areas in the Patagonia region in southern Argentina.

The Argentine Air Force ran an international RFP process in order to select the best package of aircraft and support services. Saab Aircraft Leasing was declared as winner of this process, and the two parties are now formalizing a final agreement that includes four overhauled Saab 340B aircraft together with a complete logistic package of spares, manuals, tools, ground support equipment, training of pilots and mechanics, Saab on-location technical support as well as a "Parts Exchange Program" on the rotables including propeller and landing gear.

Two aircraft will be delivered during the second half of 2008 and the other two during 2009. All four aircraft will be based and maintained in Commodoro Rivadavia. They will be operated by the Air Force-managed airline LADE serving the Patagonia region. For this purpose all aircraft will have gravel modification as well as expanded communication equipment. They will also meet the latest civilian requirements on TCAS-2, TAWS, expanded DFDR, secured cockpit doors, etcetera.

"This shows the capabilities of the Leasing organization to bid and win an international bidding process for a government contract by using the resources within Saab Aircraft Leasing and the support of Saab's logistic provider Saab Aerotech," says Michael Magnusson, President of Saab Aircraft Leasing. "Previously Saab Aircraft Leasing and Saab Aerotech have secured contracts for Saab 340B aircraft from the Swedish Air Force as well as the Japanese Coast Guard."

"This is an exciting project for my team in Sterling as it will involve delivery of a complete logistics package for the operation in Patagonia. This will utilize all the support expertise currently available in the Sterling, backed up by Sweden," says Robert Kline, Head of Operations at Saab Aerotech of America.

FMI: www.saabaircraft.com, www.fuerzaaerea.mil.ar/index_win.html