Airbus has announced the immediate suspension of its Beluga Transport service, ending its short-lived venture into specialized outsize cargo transportation. The decision comes just 14 months after the service received its French air operator’s certificate in November 2023.
The Beluga Transport service utilized the iconic A300-600ST Beluga aircraft to transport oversized cargo, including satellites, aircraft engines, and helicopters. This initiative aimed to repurpose the older Beluga fleet after Airbus transitioned its internal logistics operations to the larger and more modern A330-700L BelugaXL aircraft.
According to Flight Global, Airbus has begun winding down the operation, though the exact timeline for the closure remains uncertain. The company has pledged support for its 60 employees affected by the decision, ensuring a smooth transition during this period.
Airbus has not provided specific reasons for discontinuing the service, which explored the third-party market for oversized cargo solutions for only three years.
The decision follows the completion of the BelugaXL fleet last year, when the sixth and final aircraft entered service. The BelugaXLs replaced the original A300-600ST Beluga aircraft to enhance Airbus’ industrial logistics capabilities.
In a 2022 press release, Airbus stated, “The fleet is now complete,” highlighting the BelugaXL’s role as a test platform since 2018. The fleet now operates under Airbus Transport International (ATI), a subsidiary that has managed Airbus’ internal logistics since 1996.