UK’s European Cargo secures AOC, targets US ops

European Cargo (Bournemouth) has completed its AOC certification drive with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and is now planning to start charter flights to the United States.

The nascent carrier’s application to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for exemption authority and a foreign air carrier permit said AOC# GB 2473 was awarded on August 13. However, while European Cargo will eventually operate three A340-600s – ex-Virgin Atlantic (two) and Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas (one) stock – only one, G-ECLC (msn 768), has been added to its operations specifications so far. The jet is understood to be in a makeshift freighter configuration.

European Cargo did not disclose any potential routings other than to say the cargo flights from the UK to the US would cover the transport of cargo and mail. It also asked for its application to be treated expeditiously as it wants to start its flights as soon as possible.

European Cargo is wholly owned by European Aviation Limited, which is in turn owned by Gannet Investments Ltd, a company established in 1986 and registered in Monrovia, Liberia. Gannet Investments is itself 100% owned by the Isle of Man-based Cosmar Trust. According to the DOT application, both Gannet and Cosmar are being moved to the UK, a process that should be completed by the end of this year.