GlobalX to add freighters with US fleet increase approval

Global Crossing Airlines Group (GlobalX) is preparing to add freighters following authorisation from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to increase its fleet size.

The authorisation will enable the airline to add two A321 freighters which it expects by the end of the year.

This approval from the DOT enables GlobalX to increase its overall fleet to 11 aircraft from the current authorisation of eight aircraft.

The airline will also add two passenger aircraft.

“This increased authorisation will allow us to add 4 aircraft to our fleet over the next 60 days, including two A321 freighters, an A321 passenger aircraft and our first A319 aircraft,” said Ed Wegel, chairman and chief executive.

“Subject to FAA approvals, we intend to add the A321 passenger aircraft to our certificate by end of November and the two freighters in December, followed by the A319 in January.”

GlobalX is currently working closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the final review of manuals, systems and procedures for cargo certification.

The first A321 freighter is undergoing its final engine, airframe and systems tests and will be flown to the paint facility by the end of November.

Last month, GlobalX confirmed the start of Phase 2 of the Colombia AOC (Air Operators Certificate) certification process by its subsidiary GlobalX-Colombia.

In October 2020, GlobalX announced plans to lease 10 converted Airbus A321 freighters from Vallair, while in May 2021 it signed an LOI to lease five A321s with ST Engineering’s Aviation Asset Management unit.

In June this year, GlobalX signed an MoU with Chinese e-commerce logistics provider FreightCloud to develop e-commerce cargo routes between China and the US, using Airbus A321Fs from next year before switching to GlobalX-owned A330Fs.

The company also signed a definitive agreement with Icelease in August to convert an Airbus A321 aircraft into freighter format to be leased to GlobalX for eight years.