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Saab 340A Airliner Specifications and Charter Rates

The Saab 340A is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner designed to deliver reliable point-to-point service for up to 34 passengers, cruising at 280 knots across distances of up to 1,000 nautical miles. Introduced in the early 1980s, this aircraft quickly earned a reputation for its robust engineering, cost-effective operation, and comfort, making it a favorite for short-haul executive and group charters.


Ideal for moving teams, corporate groups, or leisure travelers between regional centers, the Saab 340A offers the efficiency of a turboprop with the comfort and amenities expected from a leading airliner in its class. This page details the full specifications, seating options, range, performance, and what charter clients need to know before booking.

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Saab 340A Overview

The Saab 340A belongs to the airliner category, where it stands out for its balance of passenger capacity, range, and operating economics. Configured to seat up to 34 passengers, it features a spacious, pressurized cabin that supports everything from corporate shuttle flights to VIP group charters. Powered by two General Electric CT7-5A2 turboprop engines, the 340A achieves a 25,000-foot service ceiling for smooth, efficient flights above most weather and regional traffic.


The 340A’s enduring popularity stems from its versatility and low per-seat operating costs. Its fuel efficiency and ability to operate from shorter runways make it an excellent choice for regional routes, especially when reliability and comfort are non-negotiable for your group travel.


Operators appreciate its solid dispatch reliability and proven design, backed by decades of continuous service and ongoing support. For charter clients, this translates into a trustworthy, cost-effective, and comfortable solution for executive group travel and scheduled shuttle services alike.

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Saab 340A Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Airliner

Passenger capacity:

Up to 30 (typical), 34 maximum

Crew:

2 pilots, 1 flight attendant

Range:

Approximately 1735 nautical miles (around 1996 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

280 knots (about 322 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 250 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two General Electric CT7-5A2 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1750 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3900 feet

Landing distance:

About 3200 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 120 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 3.8 cubic feet

First delivered:

Early 1980s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Saab 340A Range and Performance

The Saab 340A delivers a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles, covering most regional business and leisure routes with ease. Typical city pairs include Chicago to New York, Dallas to Atlanta, or London to Geneva without refueling stops, ensuring efficient point-to-point travel for larger groups. | While longer legs are possible under optimal conditions, the 340A is best suited for flights under three hours, where its 280-knot cruise speed keeps schedules tight and predictable. The turboprop’s short takeoff and landing requirements open access to regional and secondary airports, bringing you closer to your ultimate destination. | Passengers benefit from direct routings, minimal ground delays, and the flexibility to land at airports that commercial carriers often can’t reach. For groups, the result is a seamless travel experience tailored for productivity and convenience.

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Saab 340A Cabin Experience and Interior

The 340A’s cabin is designed for comfort and efficiency, with a true stand-up aisle and generous overhead storage. Its standard configuration seats up to 34 passengers in a 1-2 arrangement, offering ample legroom and large windows that fill the space with natural light. | The cabin is optimized for both business and leisure groups, featuring plush seating, fold-down tray tables, and a dedicated flight attendant to ensure a premium onboard experience. Many operators offer refreshed interiors with upgraded upholstery, in-seat power, and modern in-flight entertainment systems. | A separate aft lavatory and a spacious entryway enhance comfort during boarding and in flight. Despite its airliner classification, the 340A’s quiet cabin and custom charter options rival those of smaller executive aircraft, making every journey enjoyable and productive.

Saab 340A Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Saab 340A typically runs in the range of $2200 to $3200 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 121/135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Saab 340A down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Saab 340A?

The Saab 340A fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While not designed for transcontinental or intercontinental flights, the Saab 340A excels on short-to-medium haul routes where group comfort, speed, and cost-effectiveness matter most. For companies, sports teams, or event organizers seeking a private charter solution for up to 34 passengers, the 340A offers a compelling blend of reliability and value.

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How the Saab 340A Compares to Other Airliner

The Saab 340A originated from a partnership between Saab AB and Fairchild Aircraft in the late 1970s, aiming to produce a next-generation regional airliner for the emerging commuter market. The prototype’s maiden flight in 1983 marked the start of a new era in short-haul aviation, with the aircraft entering commercial service soon after.


The 340A was engineered for versatility, with robust systems, high dispatch reliability, and the ability to operate from shorter runways—features that made it a staple for regional airlines and charter operators worldwide.


Subsequent models, including the 340B and 340B Plus, built upon the platform’s strengths with improved avionics and cabin refinements. Even today, the 340A remains in active service, valued for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and enduring passenger appeal.


Its legacy is one of consistent performance and adaptability, making it a proven choice for group charter and executive shuttle missions.

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Saab 340A History and Background

The Saab 340A originated from a partnership between Saab AB and Fairchild Aircraft in the late 1970s, aiming to produce a next-generation regional airliner for the emerging commuter market. The prototype’s maiden flight in 1983 marked the start of a new era in short-haul aviation, with the aircraft entering commercial service soon after.


The 340A was engineered for versatility, with robust systems, high dispatch reliability, and the ability to operate from shorter runways—features that made it a staple for regional airlines and charter operators worldwide.


Subsequent models, including the 340B and 340B Plus, built upon the platform’s strengths with improved avionics and cabin refinements. Even today, the 340A remains in active service, valued for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and enduring passenger appeal.


Its legacy is one of consistent performance and adaptability, making it a proven choice for group charter and executive shuttle missions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Saab 340A Carry?

The Saab 340A is typically configured for 30 to 34 passengers in a single-class, 1-2 seating layout, ideal for corporate, sports, or event group travel. The flexible cabin design also allows for custom executive or VIP configurations depending on the operator’s offering.

What Is the Range of the Saab 340A?

The Saab 340A has a range of approximately 1735 nautical miles, or roughly 1996 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Saab 340A Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 280 knots (about 322 mph), with a long-range cruise near 250 knots. The aircraft's 25000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Saab 340A?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2200 and $3200 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Saab 340A Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The 340A features a stand-up cabin with a central aisle, an aft lavatory, and overhead baggage storage, providing comfort and mobility for all passengers. The aircraft is designed to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience on board.

Is the Saab 340A Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional routes in North America and Europe, the Saab 340A can complete trips such as Chicago to New York or London to Geneva non-stop, provided the passenger load and weather are within standard parameters. On the longest legs, a brief fuel stop may occasionally be required, which is normal for airliners in this class.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Saab 340A jets operated by vetted FAA Part 121/135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Saab 340A, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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