The Saab 340 was a revolutionary regional airliner that outlived its own production line

Wars & Conflicts · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Designed to seat 30 to 36 passengers, the Saab 340 was once the world's best-selling commuter aircraft. Despite its initial success and innovative manufacturing techniques, the project faced intense market competition and financial losses, leading to its production closure in 1999. Yet, hundreds remain in active service today.

In the 1970s, Swedish manufacturer Saab AB shifted its focus from military aviation to the civil market. Recognizing that a 30-passenger short-haul airliner was needed, the company opted for turboprop propulsion to maximize fuel economy, a decision likely influenced by the 1973 oil crisis. To manage the scale of the venture, Saab partnered with Fairchild Aircraft in 1980. This collaboration split production, with Saab building the fuselage in Linköping and Fairchild handling the wings and tail. The aircraft, initially designated the SF340, took its maiden flight on 25 January 1983.

The 340 introduced advanced manufacturing techniques, such as diffusion bonding to eliminate rivets and reduce weight, which were also used in the development of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. By 1987, Saab assumed full responsibility for the program after Fairchild exited the aircraft business. Over its production life, Saab introduced several iterations, including the 340B in 1989 and the 340B Plus in 1994, which featured active noise and vibration control systems. Despite these technical refinements, the regional market became increasingly crowded with jet-powered competitors like the Bombardier CRJ200, which offered performance advantages that the 340 could not match.

Financial pressures mounted as the program lost an estimated SKr3 billion between 1994 and 1997. Consequently, Saab terminated production in 1999 after delivering nearly 460 aircraft. However, the 340 proved remarkably resilient. Operators continued to rely on the airframe for decades, and Saab actively supported the fleet, even remarketing used units and developing freighter and maritime patrol variants. By 2023, approximately 250 aircraft remained in operation. Maintenance programs have been extended to allow for up to 80,000 flight hours, potentially granting the remaining fleet another 30 years of service.

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