Just curious, whatever happened to all the Dash 8's that were leftover when Ansett closed shop? The Saab 2000 is a fine aircraft but is no longer manufactured. I believe Dash 8 400's are similar to them, any chance that they might be considered by Air Nelson?

If ANZ end up with 330's to replace the 76's, then expect to see the baby ATR's buzzing around the land of the long white one.

I think its known as a "sweetner".....

Think as if you are all bean counters and not pilots.

Dash 8-300 to old and not really an option.

Saab 2000 made for crossair and there requirements not really anybody elses. Very expensive to aqiure new a/c and not cheap to upkeep.

Dash 8-Q400 to large to fast to expensive.

ATR42 Cheaper, commonality of fleet with 72 = sim in NZ training costs drop, a/c wear and tear due training drops, Overall a cheaper option for the long run.

I will even go as far to say that if they do get 42's it wouldn't surprise me to see Cook an NSN merge and become one company.

But thats just my two cents worth. :ok:

splat.

If the ATR 42-500 is the winner, don't expect there to be a one for one replacement.

Maybe 14 ATRs not 17, as is their fleet now.

And don't expect to be based forever in bad ole Nelson. It could possibly get smaller as CHC and NSN are the only destinations in the south......

And "All the -8's". Heck I think there was only 3 or 4 at the most.