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View Full Version : Q400 problems - any SAX input?


Shrike200
30th Oct 2007, 06:53
http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/3675331
SAS removes Dash 8 Q400 from service permanently
Following the recent period of events involving aircraft of the Dash 8 Q400 type, SAS's management, following an unscheduled meeting of the Board of Directors held today, has decided to immediately discontinue the use of this type of aircraft.
"Confidence in the Q400 has diminished considerably and our customers are becoming increasingly doubtful about flying in this type of aircraft. Accordingly, with the Board of Directors' approval, I have decided to immediately remove Dash 8 Q400 aircraft from service," says Mats Jansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of SAS.
In January 2000, SAS was the first customer to use the Dash 8 Q400 in its traffic operations. The aircraft have accounted for approximately 5 percent of the Group's passengers. The aim is to replace traffic based on the Q400 by reallocating current aircraft in the SAS Group's fleet and by means of leasing.
"The Dash 8 Q400 has given rise to repeated quality-related problems and we can now conclude that the aircraft does not match our passengers' requirements concerning punctuality and regularity. SAS's flight operations have always enjoyed an excellent reputation and there is a risk that use of the Dash 8 Q400 could eventually damage the SAS brand," says John Dueholm, Deputy CEO of SAS.
Due to the decision, SAS's traffic services will be affected by flight cancellations in the period immediately ahead. The customers concerned will be given an opportunity to either rebook or have their tickets refunded. For detailed information about traffic services, reference is made to the airlines' various websites
Any bearing on SAX?

HavingSaidThat
30th Oct 2007, 07:39
Arik Air has ordered 4 Q400 and will start receiving them sometime next year, according to the RuNe. It will be interesting to see how they will react to the incidents and accidents with the type. It is not an easy decision to park all Q400 in their fleet, like SAS has done. An airline the size of SAS with some 20+ Q400 on the register does not make decisions like this without having considered the consequences. And for a new operator like Arik Air with no experience at all with the type, it might be smart to engage in talks and feedback from SAS. Question is: do they have a retreat option in their contract with Bombardier.

Jamex
30th Oct 2007, 07:42
What a shame! In these days of soaring fuel prices this aircraft should have had a bright future. This looks like a really good aircraft with an unfortunate problem. Surely Bombardier are busy with a through investigation into the causes and will introduce a mod for this?

nugpot
30th Oct 2007, 14:22
SAS removes Dash 8 Q400 from service permanently
Any bearing on SAX?

Doesn't look like it from the article. :E

OK, I know what you meant. The SAS aircraft with the gear problems are all high time a/c. SAX aircraft are brand new and I guess that SAX will be keeping a very close eye on the problem areas identified by Bombardier.

My opinion is that SAX will probably increase their Q400 fleet shortly.

Avi8tor
30th Oct 2007, 17:47
One wonders what SAX will do when their aircraft become 'high time'?

Hope its something they practice in the sim.....:}

nugpot
30th Oct 2007, 18:09
AFAIK, the problem could be solved by some maintenance action. Haven't you wondered why SAS have had 3...........

Q4NVS
31st Oct 2007, 06:39
One wonders what SAX will do when their aircraft become 'high time'?

They'll send the "High Timers" to Dubai...:zzz:

(And by then the 787's should be here...)

:p

Avi8tor
31st Oct 2007, 13:59
Had a chat today to a QS/Tech type person here who is ex Flybe in the UK. Said they were having ongoing tech issues with their fleet of Q400's.

Q4NVS
31st Oct 2007, 15:01
In May 2007 FlyBe signed a deal for 15 Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft valued at $394 million, with options for a further 15. It is the world's largest Q400 operator and this order will increase its Q400 fleet to 60.

I guess this explains it all then...;)

Avi8tor
31st Oct 2007, 15:37
he also said they make a sh:mad:t load of cash.

Slingshot
1st Nov 2007, 11:27
Easy answer, buy ATR!