Saab 2000

Single Turboprop· 11 globally registered

The Saab 2000 stands as one of the fastest turboprops ever built for commercial service, designed to bridge the gap between conventional turboprops and regional jets. Developed by Sweden's Saab Aircraft in the early 1990s as a stretched, higher-performance successor to the Saab 340, the 2000 entered service in 1994 with a cruise speed of 370 knots, nearly jet-like performance that earned it the nickname "the turboprop that thinks it's a jet." Powered by twin Rolls-Royce AE 2100A engines driving six-blade composite propellers, the aircraft seats 50-58 passengers and was engineered for rapid 300-500 nautical mile regional hops where its speed advantage over competitors like the ATR 72 could shine. Despite its technical sophistication and impressive performance envelope (including a maximum operating speed of 285 knots IAS and service ceiling of 31,000 feet), the Saab 2000 struggled commercially against the rising tide of 50-seat regional jets in the late 1990s. Only 63 aircraft were built before production ended in 1999, making it a relatively rare sight today. The type found a niche in corporate shuttle operations, charter work, and specialized cargo roles where its combination of speed, pressurized comfort, and short-field capability remains valuable. Its high wing loading and powerful engines give it excellent ride quality in turbulence, though approach speeds around 120 knots are notably higher than slower turboprops. Today the Saab 2000 operates primarily in corporate and charter fleets, with a handful still flying scheduled passenger service in regional markets. SkyMeter has tracked 111 flights across 11 airframes and 5 operators, with ALEUTIAN AIRWAYS LLC the largest observed operator.