MacAir upgrade

[Kurt A]

Queensland carrier MacAir will upgrade its aircraft to a 34-seat Saab 340B on Sunday services between Brisbane, Oakey, St George, Cunnamulla and Thargomindah. It replaces a 19-seat Metroliner.

[Dave Parer]

Macair in the near future will also be upgrading their Townsville-Winton-Longreach-Winton-Townsville plus Townsville-Hughenden-Richmond-Julia Creek-Mt Isa-Julia Creek-Richmond-Hughenden-Townsville services from Metroliners to the Saab.

Macair have purchased more Saab's to eventually replace the three Metro's in their fleet and Macair are also purchasing four Q400's that hope to be in operation by the end of the year.

[RRichards]

Perhaps when all the "PENCILS" have gone they may actually run on time, occasionally.

[Adam P.]

I dunno about that... you do know SAAB stands for 'Send Another Aeroplane; Broken'??

[Bruce Bramwell]

There is no way you can get or purchase a Q400 that fast........... + you have logistical support etc to think of

[Nigel C]

Wouldn't that depend if they were getting them as new or second hand? Or perhaps they have already ordered them?

[Bruce Bramwell]

Nigel,

There are no 'unknown orders' for the Q400 & there are currently no Q400's available for lease or purchase second hand that I am aware off.

these are like, chocolate bars - they go fast!

[lloyd fox]

Bruce, there was a announcement up here a few monthes ago that Terry Byrt who bought Macair has ordered 4 Q400'S for delivery later this year.They are possibly 2nd hand?

New routes were ASP,DRW,OOL,MCY.

[Bruce Bramwell]

Lloyd, yes I was aware of that but we have heard nothing to the fact where they are getting the aircraft from.

We all know QF want additional Q400's but simply cannot get their hands on them how can a yet new operator get examples of these a.c with no logistical support [meaning training, ground equipment etc etc] in a little over a few months away

I am not putting water on the fire just that "I'll believe it when I see it" why dont they just go for additional ATR42-500's

Its as simple as when is skywest getting A320's......

but........... wish Macair well if they have managed to secure extra Q400's they would have beaten several major airlines wanting them!

[Kent Broadhead]

Maybe they're picking up some ex-SAS Q400s

(Yes, I know most were being transferred from SAS to other parts of the organisation.....)

Kent