Täby Air Maintenance Gains EASA Approval for Saab 2000 Cargo Conversion

This article is based on an official press release from Täby Air Maintenance AB (TAM).

TAM Secures EASA Approval for Saab 2000 Cargo Conversion

Täby Air Maintenance AB (TAM), a Swedish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) specialist, has officially announced the receipt of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its Saab 2000 cargo conversion program. This regulatory milestone allows the company to begin converting the high-speed regional turboprop into a dedicated freighter, expanding its portfolio beyond the widely utilized Saab 340 cargo program.

According to the company’s announcement, the conversion project was developed in close collaboration with launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital. Based in Miami, Jetstream is the largest global owner of both Saab 340 and Saab 2000 aircraft. The partnership aims to introduce a freighter that bridges the operational gap between standard turboprops and regional jets, offering a unique combination of speed and efficiency.

With EASA approval secured, TAM has stated that an application for validation by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already been submitted. This step is critical for the launch customer to deploy the aircraft within the North American cargo feeder market.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The newly approved Saab 2000 freighter is designed to maximize internal volume while maintaining the aircraft’s signature performance characteristics. TAM’s engineering team has focused on creating a robust cargo environment suitable for high-frequency logistics operations.

Cargo Configuration and Payload

Data provided by TAM indicates that the converted aircraft offers a total cargo volume of 55.4 cubic meters (1,960 cubic feet). The conversion involves stripping the passenger cabin to install a Class E cargo compartment featuring six net-divided loading bays. A key structural upgrade is the installation of a strengthened carbon fiber floor equipped with an integrated roller ball loading system to facilitate rapid ground handling.

In terms of weight capacity, the aircraft boasts a maximum payload of 6,622 kg (14,600 lbs). However, for operators targeting the United States market, regulatory nuances apply. As noted in technical reports regarding US FAR Part 135 operations, the payload is effectively limited to approximately 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) to comply with specific operational certificates.

Performance Metrics

The Saab 2000 is distinct in the turboprop market due to its speed. The freighter variant retains a cruise speed of approximately 370 knots (685 km/h). According to TAM, this represents a speed advantage of roughly 30% over the smaller Saab 340 freighter. This performance allows operators to decrease sector times and extend their operational range, making the aircraft suitable for time-critical logistics that require faster delivery than a standard ATR 72 but lower operating costs than a jet.

Market Positioning and Strategic Context

The introduction of the Saab 2000 freighter comes at a time of shifting dynamics in the regional Cargo-Aircraft sector. By leveraging the existing airframes, TAM and Jetstream Aviation Capital are targeting a specific niche often referred to as “thin” routes,logistics lanes with lower volumes that demand high speed.

Corporate Developments

This announcement follows significant corporate changes at TAM. In October 2025, the company was acquired by Lars Wingefors AB, a private investment firm, from its previous owner Erik Thun AB. The new ownership structure places TAM alongside Sola Air, a regional airline also owned by Lars Wingefors. In public statements, the new ownership has expressed a commitment to long-term vertical integration, combining MRO capabilities with leasing and airline operations.

“The Saab 2000 Cargo Conversion is designed to maximize volume and payload while retaining the aircraft’s signature high-speed performance.”

, TAM Press Release

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that while the Saab 2000 freighter offers impressive specs, it enters a naturally constrained market. Only 63 Saab 2000 airframes were originally produced, meaning this program will never reach the mass-market scale of the ATR 72 freighter conversions. However, scarcity can drive value. The “Concordino” of freighters, as the Saab 2000 is sometimes called, fills a vital role for express carriers who need to cover longer distances within tight overnight windows,missions where a standard turboprop is too slow, but a CRJ200 freighter burns too much fuel.

The involvement of Jetstream Aviation Capital is the linchpin of this program. As the primary holder of the fleet, their ability to place these converted assets with operators in North-America and Europe will determine the program’s commercial success. The pending FAA approval is the next major hurdle; without it, the largest potential market for these “high-speed turboprops” remains inaccessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum payload of the Saab 2000 freighter?

The aircraft has a maximum structural payload of 6,622 kg (14,600 lbs). However, US operators flying under FAR Part 135 are limited to approximately 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs).

How does the Saab 2000 compare to the Saab 340 freighter?

The Saab 2000 is significantly larger and faster, offering approximately 30% higher cruise speeds (~370 knots) and increased volume compared to the Saab 340.

Is the aircraft approved for flight in the United States?

Not yet. While EASA (European) approval has been granted, TAM has submitted an application for FAA validation, which is currently pending.

Sources

• TAM Official Announcement