End of the the Shorts 360 in Australia (2004)
Sunshine Express Airlines is about to start their fleet replacement programme. Apparently they would like to phase out the Shorts 360 and the Metro 3 by the end of 2004. Both the Shorts and the Metro have passed their used by dates and are becoming costly to maintain.
From what I hear they would like to have a 1 aircraft type fleet. Their options are;
1. Replace the Shorts 360 with a Dash 8 and keep the Metro fleet. Aeromil will supply the Dash 8 (SN.008).
2. Replace both the Shorts and the Metro with a 30+ seat aircraft (E120 or S340).
Option No 2 is the most likely.
In other news, Mac - air have plans to deploy a Saab 340 into NSW next winter. The aircraft will be used on the SYD-OOM route during the winter.