Airbus Halts Beluga Transport Operations Amid Economic Challenges
Airbus (AIB), headquartered in Toulouse Blagnac, has announced the suspension of all flight operations for its subsidiary, Airbus Beluga Transport. The company plans to wind down the unit, returning its four A300-600ST Beluga aircraft to the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Airbus Transport International (ATI), as reported by Cargo Facts.
The final flight under the operator’s ‘BGA’ code occurred on January 17, 2025, when aircraft F-GSTB (msn 751) flew from Bordeaux Mérignac to Toulouse Blagnac. The remaining three Belugas have been placed in storage: F-GSTC (msn 765) has been held at Toulouse Francazal since January 6, F-GSTD (msn 776) has been stored at Bordeaux Mérignac since January 17, and F-GSTF (msn 796) has been in Bordeaux since June 2024.
A spokesperson for Airbus confirmed the decision to terminate the Airbus Beluga Transport business, citing economic factors as the primary reason. “We confirm that the decision has been taken to terminate the Airbus Beluga Transport business for outsized cargo missions. All flights operated by the BelugaST fleet are suspended as of now. The closure project has just started and it is too early to predict a completion date. One of our main priorities during this time is to support our employees during the social process,” the spokesperson stated.
Despite the suspension of operations, Airbus has not yet determined the medium- and long-term future of the Beluga aircraft. In a letter to customers, the manufacturer indicated that the extent to which ATI will continue operating the BelugaSTs depends on ongoing planning and future decisions. This uncertainty leaves the future of the unique A300-600ST Belugas open, as Airbus evaluates its options moving forward.
Airbus Beluga Transport was launched in mid-2022 with the aim of commercializing the specialized capabilities of the A300-600ST aircraft. These converted nose-loaders were initially used by Airbus to transport large aircraft parts between its various assembly sites. The carrier received its certification in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in its operations.
In response to the suspension, Airbus Transport International has replaced the Beluga fleet with larger A330-700ST BelugaXLs. ATI currently operates six units of the BelugaXL, having integrated the final one into its fleet by mid-2024. The BelugaXL offers increased capacity and enhanced performance, addressing the growing demands for oversized cargo transportation within Airbus’s logistics network.
The decision to wind down Airbus Beluga Transport comes at a time when the aviation industry continues to navigate economic uncertainties and shifting market demands. While the exact reasons behind the closure were not detailed, the reference to economic factors suggests that operational costs and financial sustainability played significant roles in the decision-making process.
As Airbus evaluates the future of its oversized cargo transport capabilities, the company remains committed to supporting its employees and maintaining strong relationships with its customers. The transition period will focus on managing the closure process efficiently while exploring potential avenues for the continued use or repurposing of the Beluga aircraft within the broader Airbus Transport International framework.
The suspension of Airbus Beluga Transport’s operations marks a pivotal moment for the subsidiary, reflecting broader trends in the aviation sector where companies must adapt to economic pressures and evolving logistical needs. As Airbus Transport International continues to expand its BelugaXL fleet, the company aims to provide reliable and efficient cargo transport solutions, ensuring that Airbus’s supply chain and production processes remain robust and responsive to global demands.
Airbus’s decision to suspend Beluga Transport operations and return the A300-600ST Belugas to ATI highlights the company’s strategic adjustments in response to economic challenges. The future of these specialized aircraft remains uncertain, as Airbus navigates the complexities of maintaining efficient cargo transport capabilities in a dynamic industry landscape.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com