Swedish MRO Taby Air Maintenance (TAM) has begun its first conversion of a Saab 2000 turboprop into cargo configuration.

The conversion is taking place at TAM’s facilities in Orebro, Sweden. It is being performed in collaboration with launch customer Jetstream Aviation Capital, a Miami-based aircraft lessor focused on commercially operated turboprop aircraft and engines.

The converted aircraft will have a total cargo volume of 1,960 cu. ft. and a targeted maximum payload of 14,600 lb. It will feature six net-divided loading bays in addition to its existing passenger aircraft cargo compartments.

TAM expects to complete the first conversion, including obtaining EASA and FAA approval, by the end of March. It has not shared details on how many other aircraft it plans to convert for Jetstream Aviation Capital.

The Swedish MRO, which offers maintenance, overhaul and modification services for Saab and ATR aircraft, has previously focused on Saab 340 cargo conversions. It holds an STC from EASA for cargo conversions on 340A and 340B models, and it introduced its Saab 340 Cargo Conversion NG in 2020, which saw increased interest from customers last year. The conversion can carry up to 1,280 cu. ft. of cargo and is being marketed in the U.S. by C&L Aviation Group, which performed what it says is the world’s first 340Bplus passenger-to-cargo conversion in August 2021.

“Based on our extensive experience of converting dozens of Saab 340 passenger aircraft to cargo configuration, we are very confident that we can meet any challenges to certify and convert that this larger and highly capable aircraft might offer,” says Par Gulle, managing director, TAM.

According to TAM, it is currently working on additional cargo management solutions for the larger Saab 2000 to enhance its applications for U.S. FAR Part 135 and Part 121 operators.