MacAir adds Fifth Saab 340B Aircraft to Fleet

MacAir Airlines has introduced a fifth Saab 340B aircraft to its fleet, enabling it to upgrade fly in – fly out operations between Townsville and the Osborne Copper and Gold Mine, 170 km South-East of Mt Isa.

The airline has named the latest aircraft “Osborne Mine”, in recognition of its long relationship with the mine’s operators, previously Placer Dome Inc. and now Barrick Gold.

The upgraded services commenced yesterday, Tuesday 26 September. “Since 1992, when we started fly-in, fly-out operations to Osborne Mines, we have gradually increased our services in line with activities at the mine,” said MacAir General Manager Mr Kevin Gill.

“Most of our flights to Osborne are currently operated with 19-seat Fairchild Metroliner aircraft, but with the introduction of the additional Saab, we can provide more seats, greater passenger comfort and increased freight capacity,” said Mr Gill.

“The Saab 340B is ideally suited to hot and high climates – such as that in Western Queensland - which can limit the performance and payload of some aircraft types,” he added.

The introduction of a fifth Saab 340B will enable MacAir to deliver a significant improvement in inflight comfort to Osborne customers. The Saab delivers spacious Cabin Class service, with up to 34 seats in a 2 x 1 seat layout, ensuring a window or an aisle for every passenger, and the comfort of a 1.83 metre high cabin. The Saab also carries one flight attendant, and is equipped with a hot and cold food galley and a restroom.

MacAir Airlines is a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner, flying a fleet of modern propjets to 36 destinations in regional Queensland, as well as providing fly-in, fly-out services for the mining community.

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