Taby Air Maintenance has received Federal Aviation Administration approval for its Saab 2000 freighter conversion, reported London’s Air Cargo News.
The Swedish MRO and aircraft conversion specialist announced the milestone on March 24, confirming its Supplemental Type Certificate now meets FAA standards. The approval follows European Union Aviation Safety Agency clearance granted in December.
The FAA decision allows TAM to market the converted aircraft in the US as well as Europe. The company began work on the high-speed turboprop in January 2022, with the maiden flight taking place in March 2023 after delays.
The Saab 2000 cargo conversion is tailored for express freight, e-commerce and time-sensitive logistics. It offers 55.4 cu m of cargo space, a floor loading limit of 730 kg and a maximum payload of 6,622 kg. Under US Part 135 rules, payload is capped at 3,402 kg.
Features include a strengthened carbon fibre floor, integrated roller ball loading system and LED lighting in the cargo bay. The project builds on TAM’s earlier Saab 340 conversion, already widely used by regional cargo operators.
