Estonian Air is looking for larger turboprop aircraft after opting to return its Saab 340s to their lessors.

It says it is assessing the options for a new aircraft type and "taking steps" to implement it into its network.

"The change is related to the strategic goal of Estonian Air to offer its customers faster and more frequent air links between Estonia and various European cities," says the carrier.

Estonian Air has two Saab 340s but says, from April, it will operate with a single aircraft as it proceeds with the withdrawal.

This means it will also axe its services from the capital Tallinn to the cities of Minsk and Vilnius.

The carrier says this reduction of its network, from the beginning of the summer season, is "in order to have the transition to the new aircraft type more smooth and cost-effective".

Estonian has not indicated which turboprops it is considering introducing in place of the Saabs.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news