Switzerland’s BlueLight Plans A340-300 Launch for Humanitarian Ops

Switzerland-based start-up BlueLight is preparing to launch non-profit humanitarian flight operations using two Airbus A340-300 aircraft, positioning the widebody quadjets as the best fit for its initial mission requirements. Co-founder Pierre Bernheim said the airline is actively seeking two A340-300s to support long-range humanitarian and relief missions from its base in Geneva.

BlueLight, which announced its plans in early November, has reportedly raised around USD8 million to support its launch and early operations. The organization aims to provide dedicated airlift capacity for humanitarian, medical, and emergency response missions, filling gaps where commercial capacity is limited or unavailable.

According to Bernheim, the Airbus A340-300 offers a combination of range, payload capability, and operational reliability that suits BlueLight’s early-stage needs. While the four-engine aircraft has largely been phased out of commercial passenger service, it remains attractive for specialized missions that require long endurance, redundancy, and access to airports with limited infrastructure.

BlueLight expects relatively modest aircraft utilization of around 900 flight hours per year per aircraft. At this level, Bernheim said the A340-300 can be operated efficiently for several years, particularly given the availability of used airframes and established maintenance expertise. Lower acquisition costs compared with newer widebody types are also seen as an advantage for a non-profit operation.

The organization plans to operate the A340-300s during its initial phase before eventually transitioning to more modern twin-engine aircraft such as the Airbus A330. A future fleet upgrade would be driven by mission demand, funding availability, and long-term sustainability goals.

The planned use of A340s reflects a broader trend in the humanitarian aviation sector, where older widebody aircraft are being repurposed for relief, evacuation, and aid transport roles. Such aircraft offer significant capacity and range at a fraction of the acquisition cost of new jets, making them suitable for organizations with limited budgets but complex operational requirements.

BlueLight’s Geneva base provides strategic access to international organizations, humanitarian agencies, and global relief networks, reinforcing Switzerland’s long-standing role in humanitarian diplomacy and logistics. The start-up is positioning itself as a flexible aviation partner capable of responding quickly to crises and delivering aid to remote or underserved regions.

While regulatory approvals and aircraft sourcing remain key milestones, BlueLight’s plans signal growing interest in dedicated humanitarian aviation platforms. If successful, the launch could demonstrate how legacy widebody aircraft can be repurposed effectively to support global relief efforts while balancing cost, capability, and operational resilience.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

Tags: chaviation

Switzerland’s BlueLight Plans A340-300 Launch for Humanitarian Ops

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