Turkey’s ULS Airlines Cargo Launches First A330-300 Freighter

ULS Airlines Cargo has commenced operations with its first Airbus A330-300(P2F), marking a key milestone in the Turkish cargo carrier’s fleet renewal strategy. The aircraft, dry-leased from Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), began service on May 10, flying between Istanbul Airport and Cairo International under an ACMI contract with Turkish Airlines.

Registered as TC-GOL (msn 356), the Rolls-Royce Trent 700-powered aircraft was originally built in 2000. ULS acquired two A330-300s in 2021, later selling them to ATSG for passenger-to-freighter conversion at Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Dresden. TC-GOL completed conversion and was delivered to ULS, while the second aircraft (msn 349, to be registered as TC-GOU) is currently undergoing pre-induction maintenance in Istanbul. It is expected to enter service by June 2025.

According to Managing Director Yasin Ata, ULS Airlines Cargo plans to expand its A330-300(P2F) fleet to six units as part of its long-term growth strategy. The airline aims to gradually phase out its aging A310-300(F) fleet, which currently includes three aircraft. However, the A310s will remain in service until their scheduled retirement in 2027 and 2029.

The addition of the A330 freighters positions ULS to increase capacity and improve fuel efficiency on its regional and long-haul routes. The move also reflects broader trends in the air cargo industry, as carriers transition from older widebodies to more modern, converted freighters to meet rising demand and reduce operational costs.

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