Soaring fuel prices squeeze pre-owned t-prop inventory
Future fuel prices will determine the markets for regional turboprop and jet aircraft, according to Saab Aircraft Leasing president and chief executive Mic

Future fuel prices will determine the markets for regional turboprop and jet aircraft, according to Saab Aircraft Leasing president and chief executive Michael Magnusson. The Swedish manufacturer maintains a sizeable fleet of its Saab 340 and 2000 regional turboprop designs for lease and expects to benefit from industry moves to reduce costs by making greater use of such equipment rather than regional jets.

When Magnusson spoke to AIN European regional airlines were reporting that fuel costs had increased by 41 percent in the 12 months to July 1 and now accounted for about 13 percent of total costs. According to European Regions Airline Association environmental-impact statistics, after a fall in consumption last year, the early months of this year saw operators burning more fuel, possibly reflecting a slight increase in numbers of turbofan aircraft in the fleet.