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Saab 340A Cargo Cargo Specifications and Charter Rates

The Saab 340A Cargo is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft purpose-built for regional freight missions, providing reliable transport for time-sensitive and high-value cargo over short to medium distances. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 340A Cargo has become a staple within the air freight industry, known for its robust operational capabilities, practical cargo capacity, and efficient performance tailored to the demands of express logistics and just-in-time supply chains.


For shippers and freight operators seeking a dependable solution for regional routes, the Saab 340A Cargo delivers a rare blend of payload flexibility and cost control. This profile details its technical specifications, real-world range, operational highlights, and answers to the most common questions from those considering this aircraft for cargo charter or dedicated logistics missions.

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Saab 340A Cargo Overview

The Saab 340A Cargo is classified as a regional cargo turboprop, prized for its ability to carry up to 7,700 pounds of freight within a flexible, purpose-configured cabin. With a cruise speed of 280 knots and a practical range approaching 900 nautical miles, it bridges the gap between small feeder aircraft and larger jets, giving operators the freedom to serve secondary airports, remote destinations, and high-frequency shuttle routes.


This aircraft’s twin General Electric CT7-5A2 engines ensure strong performance and dependable cycles even on demanding schedules. Its proven short-field capability, with takeoff and landing distances under 4,000 feet, opens up a wide array of regional airports that are inaccessible to larger cargo jets, maximizing network reach and door-to-door connectivity for critical shipments.


Its robust airframe and simple systems mean high dispatch reliability and low maintenance downtime, making it a workhorse for operators who require both speed and economy. For time-sensitive freight, the 340A’s balance of capacity, efficiency, and airport accessibility makes it a cornerstone of the turboprop cargo segment.

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Saab 340A Cargo 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:

Cargo

Passenger capacity:

Up to (typical), maximum

Crew:

2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 879 nautical miles (around 1011 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

280 knots (about 322 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 248 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two General Electric CT7-5A2 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 1735 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 3800 feet

Landing distance:

About 3300 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 110 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 15 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-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 Cargo Range and Performance

With a range of nearly 900 nautical miles, the Saab 340A Cargo is the ideal choice for regional express and intercity freight transfers, easily connecting major urban centers and remote outposts without a fuel stop. Typical routes include city pairs such as Dallas to Atlanta, Paris to Prague, and Oslo to Stockholm, all within a single leg and with reserves remaining. | The 340A Cargo’s 280-knot cruise keeps transit times brisk, while its robust twin-turboprop setup ensures consistent on-time performance even in challenging weather. Its short takeoff and landing distances allow direct access to smaller regional airports, minimizing ground transfer times and reducing overall delivery windows. | For operators, the aircraft’s efficient fuel burn and high cycle reliability lead to predictable costs and outstanding value on high-frequency short-haul missions. The Saab 340A Cargo’s unique operational flexibility makes it a preferred platform for urgent and scheduled air freight alike.

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Saab 340A Cargo Cabin Experience and Interior

The Saab 340A Cargo features a spacious, purpose-designed main deck cargo hold, with a flat floor and large cargo door for efficient loading and unloading of palletized goods, containers, or outsized shipments. | The standard configuration supports up to 7,700 pounds of freight, with tie-down points and securement options throughout the cabin to ensure safe transport of high-value or fragile cargo. | The aircraft is built around operational efficiency—easy access for ground crews, rapid turnaround times between flights, and minimal downtime. For operators, this translates to a streamlined workflow, while shippers benefit from reliable, damage-free transport for sensitive consignments. | Though designed for freight, the 340A’s low cabin noise, vibration control, and climate management systems ensure delicate cargo is protected from environmental stress throughout the flight.

Saab 340A Cargo Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Saab 340A Cargo typically runs in the range of $2100 to $2700 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 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 Cargo 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 Cargo?

The Saab 340A Cargo 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

The Saab 340A Cargo is best suited for regional and short-haul freight movements where speed, flexibility, and airport accessibility are paramount. While it is not designed for intercontinental or heavy-lift operations, it excels for operators needing to move smaller, time-sensitive loads quickly between cities, to remote locations, or in support of just-in-time logistics chains.

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How the Saab 340A Cargo Compares to Other Cargo

The Saab 340A Cargo originated from a partnership between Saab and Fairchild, launching in the early 1980s to serve both passenger and cargo roles on regional routes. Its rugged construction, reliable turboprop powerplants, and operational versatility led to the development of dedicated cargo variants, which quickly became a staple in the air freight industry.


The 340A Cargo was embraced for its ability to serve secondary airports and its high dispatch reliability, traits valued by logistics companies and express carriers alike. Over the decades, its simple systems and consistent performance have cemented its reputation as a go-to solution for regional cargo, with hundreds of airframes still active worldwide.


Today, the Saab 340A Cargo remains a sought-after platform for scheduled and on-demand freight, supported by a global network of parts and maintenance providers. Its enduring presence in the market is a testament to its robust engineering and cost-effective operation.

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Saab 340A Cargo History and Background

The Saab 340A originated from a partnership between Saab and Fairchild, launching in the early 1980s to serve both passenger and cargo roles on regional routes. Its rugged construction, reliable turboprop powerplants, and operational versatility led to the development of dedicated cargo variants, which quickly became a staple in the air freight industry.


The 340A Cargo was embraced for its ability to serve secondary airports and its high dispatch reliability, traits valued by logistics companies and express carriers alike. Over the decades, its simple systems and consistent performance have cemented its reputation as a go-to solution for regional cargo, with hundreds of airframes still active worldwide.


Today, the Saab 340A Cargo remains a sought-after platform for scheduled and on-demand freight, supported by a global network of parts and maintenance providers. Its enduring presence in the market is a testament to its robust engineering and cost-effective operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Saab 340A Cargo Carry?

The Saab 340A Cargo is typically operated by a crew of two pilots, with the main deck configured to carry up to 7,700 pounds of freight securely fastened in a variety of cargo layouts. The large cargo door and flat-floor design make it easy to load and unload consignments efficiently.

What Is the Range of the Saab 340A Cargo?

The Saab 340A Cargo has a range of approximately 879 nautical miles, or roughly 1011 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 Cargo Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 280 knots (about 322 mph), with a long-range cruise near 248 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 Cargo?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2100 and $2700 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 Cargo Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Saab 340A Cargo is purpose-built for freight, offering a spacious, unobstructed cargo hold with a large loading door and tie-down options to safely accommodate a range of goods, from palletized shipments to delicate, high-value items.

Is the Saab 340A Cargo Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional cargo routes, the Saab 340A Cargo provides ample range and payload capability, covering city pairs like Dallas to Atlanta or Paris to Prague without the need for a fuel stop. Its short-field performance also allows access to smaller airports that streamline overall delivery times.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Saab 340A Cargo jets operated by vetted FAA Part 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 Cargo, 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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