SAS will for a short time lease in other airlines to fly these Q400-routes. SAS is immediately looking for temp spare a/c to replace the Q400. Q400 pilots will ASAP start training into these a/c. SAS will now look at several manufacturers to finally order a replacement for the Q400. Bombardier is one of the options. SAS is negotiating a deal with Bombardier. They had a meeting last week...
Theiceman, you need to study the ATR more! They are the clear winner in the turboprop market. Look at the sales numbers! The reason is light weight (composit fuselage, no APU), large cargo hold, wide cabin, modern airbuslike cockpit, updated engines and good support. Ok the avionic suite is now outdatet, but check out the new ATR 600!