Airbus has announced the immediate suspension of its Airbus Beluga Transport operations, marking the end of a brief venture into specialised outsize cargo services. The decision comes merely 14 months after the airline received its French air operator’s certificate in November 2023.
The cargo service, which utilized the distinctive A300-600ST Beluga aircraft, had been established to provide transportation solutions for oversized cargo, such as satellites, aircraft engines, and helicopters. This initiative emerged as Airbus sought new applications for its Beluga fleet after transitioning its internal logistics to the newer and larger A330-700L BelugaXL aircraft.
As reported by Flight Global, the company has initiated the closure process, though a definitive completion timeline remains undetermined. Airbus has emphasised its commitment to supporting affected employees through the transition period, and during its brief operational period, the airline recruited approximately 60 staff members.
The company has not disclosed specific reasons for terminating the service, which ends just three years after its initial charter operations began exploring the third-party market potential.
Last year, the last of six Airbus BelugaXLs (BXL) entered service as the successors to the iconic A300-600ST, the original ‘Beluga,’ continue its mission to enhance Airbus’ industrial capabilities.
At the time, Airbus said, “The fleet is now complete,” via a press release, noting that the BelugaXL had served as the program’s test platform since 2018. The last BelugaXL joined its five siblings at Airbus Transport International (ATI), a subsidiary of Airbus that has been operating as the company’s internal airline since 1996.