newstodate.aero
Aug 17, 2010 (newstodate): At long last, the world's first converted Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 freighter has found its new owner: West Atlantic.
The aircraft was originally operated by SAS in its passenger version, but grounded together with all other 26 Q400 aircraft in the SAS fleet in 2007 after repeated incidents with landing gear malfunctions.
The aircraft was acquired by the Swedish cargo operator Nord-Flyg and converted into a Q400-PF Package Freighter.
But after taking delivery of the aircraft on January 16, 2009, Nord-Flyg met the full impact of the general industrial down-turn during the financial crises and the aircraft spent most of its time on the ground.
-Operating 750 mile sectors with the same block performance as a Jet, but with turbo-prop economics, the Q400F fits neatly into our fleet. It's a niche aircraft for sure, but is ideal for clients whose requirements include long thin routes and it's Cat III Landing Capability offers useful added value for suitably equipped airport operations, says Russell Ladkin, West Atlantic Sales and Operations Director.
-The Q400F is currently equipped with standard passenger doors and the OEM fit baggage door at the rear. This will suit the needs of most Express and Mail customers. However, we are considering developing a Large Cargo Door and Cargo Handling System for ULD Operations, says Mr Ladkin.
West Atlantic is the Brand Name of the West Air Europe Group that includes West Air Sweden, Atlantic Airlines of the UK and West Air Luxembourg.
The aircraft was originally operated by SAS in its passenger version, but grounded together with all other 26 Q400 aircraft in the SAS fleet in 2007 after repeated incidents with landing gear malfunctions.
The aircraft was acquired by the Swedish cargo operator Nord-Flyg and converted into a Q400-PF Package Freighter.
But after taking delivery of the aircraft on January 16, 2009, Nord-Flyg met the full impact of the general industrial down-turn during the financial crises and the aircraft spent most of its time on the ground.
-Operating 750 mile sectors with the same block performance as a Jet, but with turbo-prop economics, the Q400F fits neatly into our fleet. It's a niche aircraft for sure, but is ideal for clients whose requirements include long thin routes and it's Cat III Landing Capability offers useful added value for suitably equipped airport operations, says Russell Ladkin, West Atlantic Sales and Operations Director.
-The Q400F is currently equipped with standard passenger doors and the OEM fit baggage door at the rear. This will suit the needs of most Express and Mail customers. However, we are considering developing a Large Cargo Door and Cargo Handling System for ULD Operations, says Mr Ladkin.
West Atlantic is the Brand Name of the West Air Europe Group that includes West Air Sweden, Atlantic Airlines of the UK and West Air Luxembourg.