Mesaba/PenAir Saab in ANC

[Alaskaairlines]

Hi guys!

Just would like to know if any of you know whats up with the Mesaba Saab with PenAir titles on it? Did they purchase that one from them, or whats the deal?

 

[flyn96]

If its an A model saab they are no longer ours, we will have all A models retired by next year. Also it could be a former Express (now pinnacel) saab.Do you know what the tail # was???

Besides there is a cargo out fit in the UP of Mich that flys our old metros that we got rid of years ago, they still have the red pain on them too.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

I couldn't tell you the tail number, can't remember. But I know it something N***PA.

 

[SeaX]

more than likely

more than likely it's an old 9E saab

 

[Formula1]

Pennair Saab

I was up in ANC the other day cruising around with a buddy of mine that used to fly the Saab for Mesaba- I just happen to see the red Saab take off from ANC intl and asked him what the deal was- he said that PennAir had bought that Saab from Mesaba and was flying the schedule with it but had not bothered to paint it in PennAir colors yet. Sorry, I do not know if it was an "A" or a "B" model.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

I actually took a look at the registration today, it was either 509MA or 590MA, I think it was 590MA. So I guess that makes it a Mesaba plane?

 

[CWASaab]

used to be

Ahh, ...
590MA

Yep Mesaba used to operate it, and it is an A model. We had it in our fleet for a while, but I think we inherited it from Express Airlines 1 back in '96 when we took over the MSP routes.

9E was quick to give her to us, and I would guess few XJers shed tears over its departure, she's a real peach.

I don't think Mesaba is actually in the business of selling airplanes, pretty much 100% on lease here. When we are done we send them back to the lessors (after a considerable time inside/outside the hanger in CWA).

CWASaab,
well ...not anymore

 

[cl-65link]

590MA=old Air Midwest=old Express I=old Mesaba Saab. 590 MA is an Air Midwest tail #.

 

[Alaskaairlines]

Wow, its been all over, and now flying the Alaskan bush. PenAir takes those planes way out to the Probilofs - some of those flights take almost 3 hrs in a Saab!!

 

[UALX727]

590MA

I was thinking 590MA was a straight B model as Mesaba had a few of those a while back(as opposed to the new B+ models they were taking on). I had flown that aircraft back in the late 90's.

I do believe it had come from Express, I guess now they are called Pinnacle.

 

[jergar999]

After PenAir, does it automatically become a freighter?

 

[Alaskaairlines]

Thats probably what will happen, but they will be around for a long time before they go to cargo.
Actually Coca Cola might be the next operator aftre PAX service.

 

[PTinbound]

UALX727 is right, as he always was when he was my captain!
590MA is a straight B. Now if we could only keep our "A"s and get rid of the rest of those straight B's, .......

 

[Airpiraterob]

wish i could remember the name of the vendor, but the A-model saab is already on the cargo market. the deal is--free for a year then start paying the lease, also a full on parts room free to start...just pay as you use each part. (as opposed to beech and their 1900-C's where you buy it all at the start) the peoblem was that the vendor's rep. shot himself in the foot proclaiming that if the 340-A dosent fly all the time (as in a typical airline schedule) it will break often. he must not be making too much in comission right now with that approach.

 

[UALX727]

Thanks, PTinbound. But it looks like you were more right than I was on the choice of airlines to move onto!!! Sure wish I would have took that Southwest interview when it was offered. Ahhh, instead I chose to stay at UAL. Not very good timing, I must say.

Hopefully you will not be swimming much longer in the Southwest pool. See Ya!!

 

[CWASaab]

opps

I stand corrected, 590MA is indeed a straight B.

 

[PTinbound]

Just got back from RGS and the topic of old 590MA actually came up in our war stories....

Apparently 590 was the one plagued with "automatic flap deployment". Yup. Cruising along at 17,000 and 210 KIAS and all of the sudden you get that lifting feeling as the flaps choose to deploy to 35, the config horn sounding all the while. Happened to one of my other former captains and tended to be a recurring problem for a while. Sure has a way of building a reputation, anyway.

 

[iflyabeech]

PenAir flies Metro's to the Prib's. The Saab's do not have the proper overwater equipment.

 

[xjcaptain]

The mystery of the automatic deploying flaps on 590MA was solved after a lot of digging...literally. MX finally found some relays under the center pedestal with a sticky brown substance that looked a whole lot like semi-dried pepsi. Seems somebody dumped a cup over the pedestal and didn't bother to tell anybody. Made for some interesting flights though!

 

[ILStoMinimums]

Now PenAir is also flying a Saab. I believe it said saomething like Business Express (its painted over), says PenAir now, but still has the long black line down it. I wonder if that one is on lease or did they buy it?

Looks like PenAir is growing and moving along, I wish their competitor would do the same!