GlobalX cleared to start cargo flights

Global Crossing Airlines Group (GlobalX) has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration for cargo operations and expects to commence flights with its first A321 Passenger to Freighter (P2F) aircraft this week.

Previously a passenger ACMI and charter airline, Miami-based GlobalX now has one A321P2F and is expecting the second A321P2F to arrive by mid-March, with the third A321P2F to be delivered in May.

The first A321P2F aircraft was converted by ST Engineering and delivered to Miami International Airport (MIA) in December.

GlobalX, which serves the US, Caribbean, European and Latin American markets, is scheduled to take delivery of an additional three A321P2Fs in 2023, and two in 2024.

Additionally, GlobalX is working to finalise leases on lessor commitments for another five A321P2Fs to be delivered in the 2024-2025 time frame and is working on letters of intent for two additional A321P2Fs.

“This is a tremendously significant milestone for GlobalX on our path to being one of the leading narrowbody charter operators for both passengers and freight in North America,” said Ed Wegel, chair and chief executive on February 6.

“Our expansion into cargo has always been a key aspect of our growth strategy to diversify our revenue streams and maximise the use of all of our assets.

“We are also particularly honoured to be the first airline in the Americas to operate the A321F and we believe this aircraft is a game changer in the narrowbody freighter market and we thank ST Engineering for their total support during the conversion and delivery of this aircraft.”

GlobalX confirmed on February 8 that it will operate all cargo flights with its A321 to Havana, Cuba on behalf of CubaMax.

The A321P2F has a capacity of 14 upper deck and 10 lower deck containers, which is 55% more containerised volume than the Boeing B737-800 freighter and 14% more containerised volume than the B757-200F, said GlobalX.