European manufacturer Airbus has confirmed that it is to cease operations of its oversized cargo company, Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), a year after it obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The announcement, made during an extraordinary Social and Economic Committee (CSE) meeting, marks the immediate end of the service due to a lack of external customers, as initially reported by French outlet Les Echos.
“We confirm that the activity of Airbus Beluga Transport for oversized cargo missions is ending,” an Airbus spokesperson confirmed to AFP.
The service was launched in response to the global shortage of outsized air cargo capacity, exacerbated by the destruction of the Antonov An-225 Mriya during the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the unavailability of much of the Antonov fleet.
“The demand for outsized air cargo capability is on the rise,” Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, had said in unveiling the BelugaST fleet as an alternative. “Capacity is scarce and, in light of current geopolitical developments, many customers are looking for new, fast and efficient solutions. This is exactly what we offer with our BelugaST fleet.”
Airbus Beluga Transport origins
The BelugaST aircraft, recognizable by its iconic whale-like design, was originally deployed to transport Airbus airliner components between production facilities. These aircraft were progressively replaced by the newer BelugaXL fleet, offering greater cargo volume and weight capacity.
Airbus Beluga Transport secured its own AOC on January 9, 2024. Airbus had aimed to serve sectors including military, space, energy, aeronautics, maritime, and humanitarian relief, offering a system that required no cranes for loading.
The BelugaST provides a unique volumetric capacity that few other aircraft can match. But despite its unique design, the BelugaST aircraft struggles to compete with the Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan, which boasts a lifting capacity of 150 tons, or the now-destroyed An-225 Mriya, capable of carrying a record-breaking 250 tons. In comparison, the BelugaST’s total lifting capacity of 35 tons fell significantly short for many missions requiring heavy or oversized cargo.
Airbus has yet to announce plans for the repurposing of the BelugaST fleet following the termination of the service.
