Thanks so much :) So I have had confirmation that Air Chathams plan to retire the Metroliner from the fleet, and upgauge the Whakatane route to the Saab 340. They just purchased another 4 Saabs from Australia (2 passenger, 1 cargo and 1 to be cannibalized for parts). Certainly a awesome step up for Whakatane, but it will definitely be sad to say goodbye to the Metros. The butt of many jokes, it really is a good workhorse that has served NZ well for decades :)
@@FullyNZ Thanks for replying and yes the Metroliner has been a great asset for Air Chathams and New Zealand. Good for Whakatane and their routes though for sure! I'm assuming they will convert that cargo Saab to passenger configuration, right? If so, that makes 3 new Saabs! How awesome.
I'd actually have to agree with you on that one. I've had well over 600 flights on a variety of different Turboprops. When compared to the likes of the Dash 8 or ATR, The Saab 340 definitely feels louder. That said, I do really love the hum of the Saabs General Electrics. They are a great Aircraft 👌
What a beauty little plane! Thank you.
I have flown on Air New Zealand's Saab 340's 3-4 times between Christchurch and Palmerston North. Sturdy plane.
They certainly served Air New Zealand (Air Nelson) well over the years :) Certainly been many years since we have seen one in Air NZ colours though :)
Great to have the sabb340 in whakatane
Nice video, and what do you mean by saying it will be your last Metroliner flight? 😃
Thanks so much :) So I have had confirmation that Air Chathams plan to retire the Metroliner from the fleet, and upgauge the Whakatane route to the Saab 340. They just purchased another 4 Saabs from Australia (2 passenger, 1 cargo and 1 to be cannibalized for parts). Certainly a awesome step up for Whakatane, but it will definitely be sad to say goodbye to the Metros. The butt of many jokes, it really is a good workhorse that has served NZ well for decades :)
@@FullyNZ Thanks for replying and yes the Metroliner has been a great asset for Air Chathams and New Zealand. Good for Whakatane and their routes though for sure!
I'm assuming they will convert that cargo Saab to passenger configuration, right? If so, that makes 3 new Saabs! How awesome.
Also is that flight emptier than usual?
Hahaha good spotting! A grand total of 8 pax. The flight up to Auckland first thing in the morning on the Metroliner was chockablock at 18pax :)
Is it me or does the Saab 340 seem quite loud?
I'd actually have to agree with you on that one. I've had well over 600 flights on a variety of different Turboprops. When compared to the likes of the Dash 8 or ATR, The Saab 340 definitely feels louder. That said, I do really love the hum of the Saabs General Electrics. They are a great Aircraft 👌
@FullyNZ the Saab 340s sound good but they do seem loud. Compare that to the F50...much quieter inside but loud outside.