Worldwide Aircraft Services and Saab Team Up on Saab 340B Model Aircraft Cargo Modification Program

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc., an aircraft maintenance, engineering and modification provider, announced today that they will team with aircraft manufacturer Saab AB to obtain FAA approval for the installation of the Saab 340A cargo modification Service Bulletins into the SAAB 340B aircraft.  The Saab 340B model aircraft's improved performance will offer operators greater flexibility, range and capacity.  The SAAB 340 fleet currently has 458 aircraft operating in 37 countries around the world. 

"The Saab 340 aircraft has served operators very well over the years in both passenger and cargo markets; the current market trends and aircraft values make this an ideal time to bring the Saab 340B aircraft to the freighter markets," said Jim McClean, President of Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc.  "We will oversee the FAA STC program, and are pleased to team with Saab AB, the aircraft manufacturer; together, we will bring the Saab 340B cargo aircraft to the market as a completed aircraft or a kit for installation by others."

Saab manufactured 159 340A model aircraft from 1982 to 1986, and 299 340B model aircraft from 1987 to 1999.  To date, 68 340A aircraft have been converted to full cargo.  From locations in Linköping, Sweden and Ashburn, Virginia, Saab provides full technical and spares support (including AOG) to the worldwide fleet of Saab 340A / 340B and Saab 2000 aircraft.

As part of this agreement, Worldwide Aircraft Services has also become a "Saab Recognized 340/2000 AMO," and will continue to provide MRO services for the regional jet and turbo-prop aircraft to sales and leasing companies and operators around the world.

Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. located in Springfield Missouri is an FAA and EASA approved Part 145 Repair Station, providing maintenance and modification programs to the regional commuter turbo-prop and commuter jet markets and holds numerous Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) for cargo conversions or design improvements for the cargo hauling operator which includes full passenger to freighter STC programs, improved flooring systems, roller / track flooring systems, improved lighting, and door modifications.  Worldwide Aircraft Services has participated in the passenger to freighter conversion of commuter category turbo-prop aircraft for the last 30 years.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs. 

SOURCE Saab North America; Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc.

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