Houston moves an enormous amount of time-critical freight, and full-aircraft cargo charter is what handles the loads that will not wait. The Saab 340 flies freight only, and it is sized by what has to move rather than by who is traveling.
Saab AB (freighter conversion by Field Aviation) introduced the Saab 340 in 1987. Base 340A entered passenger service 1985. Every Saab 340 we arrange flies with an operator certified under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: Saab AB (freighter conversion by Field Aviation)
- Year introduced: 1987
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 2
- Range: 785 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 282 knots
- Service ceiling: 25,000 feet
- Length: 64.8 feet
- Wingspan: 70.3 feet
- Height: 22.9 feet
- Baggage volume: 1,276 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the Saab 340 Fits Houston
Houston freight tends to be heavy, awkward, or urgent, and often all three. Full-aircraft charter sizes the aircraft to the load rather than the other way around.
The Saab 340 offers about 1,276 cubic feet of main-deck volume and a published range of 785 nautical miles, which is what decides whether it suits your shipment out of Houston. It is flown by a crew of 2. Weight, dimensions, and any hazardous classification all need confirming with the operator before the aircraft is committed.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Saab 340 run $2,000 to $3,000 per hour as of 8/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
Other Cargo Aircraft Available
- ATR 72F
- Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
Contact
For a quote on a Saab 340 charter from Houston, TX, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.