Airbus Shuts Down Its Beluga Cargo Airline
Airbus has decided to shut down its cargo airline, Airbus Beluga Transport (AIBT), just a few years after its launch. The airline, established in 2022, aimed to offer oversized cargo transport services to external customers. AIBT operated the older A300-600ST Beluga aircraft, which had previously been used for Airbus’ internal logistics and were gradually being replaced by the newer BelugaXL models.
Hugo LUC, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Short-Lived Expansion Efforts
In November 2023, AIBT received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in France and expanded its operations to the United States in early 2024. The airline targeted industries such as aerospace, facilitating satellite transport, and defense, moving military helicopters and other oversized equipment. Despite these efforts, Airbus struggled to attract enough external customers to sustain the business profitably.
Suspension of Operations
Airbus has confirmed that all AIBT flights are immediately suspended, and the process of shutting down the airline has begun. However, the company has not provided a specific closure date. Airbus emphasized that supporting affected employees during the transition is a top priority.
Operational Challenges Behind the Decision
The decision to shut down AIBT was primarily driven by operational difficulties rather than a lack of demand in the cargo market. The BelugaST fleet required specialized handling procedures and trained personnel for loading and unloading operations, leading to increased complexity and costs. Additionally, logistical inefficiencies contributed to the airline's inability to sustain operations profitably.
The Future of the BelugaST Fleet
With the newer and larger BelugaXL fleet now handling Airbus’ internal aircraft component transport, the company has opted to discontinue the commercial use of the older BelugaST models. The future of these aircraft remains uncertain, as Airbus has not yet announced any plans for their continued utilization.
Conclusion
The closure of Airbus Beluga Transport marks the end of a short-lived attempt to tap into the oversized cargo transport market. It remains to be seen how Airbus will address future demand for such services and whether alternative solutions will emerge to replace AIBT’s intended role.