Saabs are the smallest cross-section comparing to all competitors. Many people cannot stand up in cabin without tilting their head. Extremely nice when it is a de-boarding time. Also because of smallest cross-section overhead bins are pretty nonexistent. You can fit a very slim case like laptop bag, nothing more. In the winter capacity of overhead bins are not sufficient to accommodate overcoats etc. Toilet is a joke. Galley is tiny.
The only relatively big airline operating SF340 is Australian Rex and they never been an original user. All american feeders has quit or at last stages of doing that. There are no big 2000 operators anyway. There are people who switched from SF340 to ATR42 or Fokker 50 even they had no prospects of more passengers. Simply the difference in total operating cost is pretty marginal and you getting much more seats as a bonus. I have first hand experience (or should I say misfortune?) operating these birds and therefore my opinion is a bit more based on a facts as opposed to observations from outside.
ps I especially like comment about 2000 seats vs A320 seats. There are several dozens of seats certified and used on A320s ranging from no-frills super slims to flat-bed suite-style installations, so without being specific it is quite pointless. Same time there are only 2 types of seats for Saab 2000, and I will keep my opinion about their comfort (and especially reliability) with me.
pps hopefully you know that Saab Leasing is set to be closed in 2 years and they actively disposing their portfolio? This is how much trust in this product people have...
Last edited by CargoOne; 27th May 2012 at 14:21.