The Tribune

SILVER Airways yesterday said it has received Us regulatory approval to operate Saab 340Bplus aircraft, which it will use on its Florida-Bahamas route network.

Darrell Richardson, chief executive of the Fort Lauderdale-based airline, said: "This is a momentous day for our airline, and one that will certainly be celebrated by our employees and passengers - many who were pleasantly surprised today as they boarded our new, enhanced aircraft.

"We are committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality flight experiences by delivering premium service, and the comfort and convenience they value and deserve."

Silver Airways has secured agreements with Saab Aircraft Leasing to purchase 12 Saab 340Bplus aircraft. The airline has accepted delivery of the first three to date, with the remaining aircraft expected to complete integration into the Silver Airways fleet by September 2012.

Silver Airways operates more than 100 daily scheduled flights to and from 29 gateways in Florida, the Bahamas, Montana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The company is owned by Victory Park Capital, a Chicago-based investment firm.

The Silver Airways fleet is comprised of three Saab 340Bplus aircraft (maximum seating capacity of 34 passengers) and 21 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft (maximum seating capacity of 19 passengers). The new aircraft will be used to upgrade service on existing routes, increase frequencies and allow Silver Airways to add new service in additional markets.