Today, May 31 2013, the last Saab 2000 aircraft left Carpatair fleet after 10 years of service, marking simultaneously a significant change in the company’s strategy: the transition to a new business strategy, with only point to point flights and no stops or transfers at Timisoara.

The farewell event was attended by a high number of Carpatair employees. The aircraft registered as YR-SBB (Saab Bravo Bravo) was the star of the photographic session organized on the apron at “Traian Vuia” International Airport in Timisoara, where the company has its headquarters.

“The today event marks an important milestone in the company’s history when smaller turboprop aircraft are replaced with larger jet aircraft. Thus, Carpatair is switching its strategy on developing point-to-point flights at those Romanian airports where the fair competition between the airlines is encouraged, "said Nicolae Petrov President & CEO Carpatair.

Saab 2000 aircraft was the “backbone” of the “Hub & Spoke” concept developed by Carpatair in Timisoara. During its peak period, the company operated through its hub in “Traian Vuia” airport more than 350 weekly flights to 30 destinations in 6 countries in Eastern and Western Europe.

The Swedish made Saab 2000 aircraft is one of the best performing and fastest propeller aircraft (turboprop) in the world, able to cruise at a speed of 665 km/h (360 kt).

During 2003 – 2013, Carpatair operated in Timisoara a fleet of 18 aircraft, of which 14 Saab 2000. The Romanian airline became the largest Saab 2000 operator worldwide.

In the last 10 years, the Saab 2000 aircraft have performed for Carpatair over 150,000 flight hours and transported over 4.3 million passengers.