Airbus A300 Beluga Transport Obtains AOC, Seeks US Charter Permit

Airbus Beluga Transport has achieved its Air Operator’s Certificate on November 13, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the French cargo specialist. The certification comes with the transfer of a single A300-600ST from its sister carrier, Airbus Transport International. Following this achievement, the start-up has submitted an application for a foreign air carrier permit (FACP) and exemption, aiming to commence cargo charter flights to the United States starting in February 2024.

Airbus Beluga Transport, owned by Airbus, was established to commercialize its fleet of five A300-600ST Belugas. These specially modified oversized-load freighters are designed for transporting large aircraft parts between various Airbus production sites. With Airbus Transport International replacing the A300-600STs with larger A330-700STs, the older aircraft type is being introduced to the charter market.

As of now, Airbus Beluga Transport has incorporated one aircraft, F-GSTB (msn 751), into its operations. Three additional A300-600STs continue to operate flights within Europe under Airbus Transport International’s Air Operator’s Certificate, while the fifth unit has been in storage since April 2021.

While Airbus Beluga Transport has not disclosed specific routes, destinations, or customers for the US market, the achievement of its Air Operator’s Certificate and the application for the foreign air carrier permit signal its readiness to expand its charter operations globally.