EASA Certifies TAM’s Saab 2000 Freighter Conversion

The market for regional air cargo has gained a significant new option as Swedish maintenance specialist Täby Air Maintenance (TAM) received European regulatory approval for its passenger-to-freighter conversion of the high-speed Saab 2000 turboprop.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded TAM a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the conversion program. This milestone allows aging Saab 2000 passenger aircraft to be repurposed to meet growing demand for regional logistics and feeder operations.

The conversion process involves a complete reconfiguration of the aircraft’s interior to make it suitable for main-deck cargo operations. TAM’s engineering team removes all passenger amenities, including seats, overhead bins, galleys, and lavatories. In their place, the aircraft is fitted with a robust cargo net system to secure payloads, alongside the installation of a new smoke detection system in the cabin area to meet safety regulations.

The newly certified freighter offers substantial capability for the regional market. According to TAM, the converted Saab 2000 provides a cargo volume of 55.4 cubic meters (1,960 cubic feet).

In terms of lift capacity, the aircraft offers a maximum payload of 6,622 kg (14,600 lbs) for standard operations. However, TAM noted that under specific operational exemptions, the payload can be increased to a maximum of 7,300 kg (16,100 lbs).

The approval is significant because of the Saab 2000’s unique performance characteristics. As one of the fastest turboprops ever built, offering near-jet speeds with turboprop economics, the freighter variant is positioned to serve time-sensitive cargo routes and act as an efficient hub feeder. The conversion program also offers a sustainable path toward extending the service life of existing airframes.

Miami based leasing company Jet stream Aviation Capital has been identified as the launch customer for the Saab 2000 cargo conversion program, signalling immediate market interest in the platform’s new capabilities.