Airbus has announced the suspension of its outsized air cargo service, Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), a little over a year after the division was granted its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in November 2023.
AiBT had been utilising a fleet of four Airbus A300-600ST Beluga aircraft, originally designed for transporting large Airbus components, to offer external air cargo services.
The manufacturer has confirmed that it will wind down AiBT operations and reintegrate the A300-600ST Belugas into the Air Operators Certificate of Airbus Transport International (ATI).
The suspension comes just three years after the service was initially launched in early 2022 to offer specialised cargo transportation for outsized goods.
According to Flightradar24 data, the final AiBT flight was conducted on January 17, with aircraft, the second Beluga added to Airbus’ fleet, flying from Bremen (BRE) to Toulouse (TLS).
The decision to suspend AiBT marks the end of its short-lived journey as a dedicated airline for outsized cargo transport.
Airbus has not provided specific details on why the operation is being wound down, but it has highlighted that the Belugas will continue to play a critical role in Airbus’ internal logistics under ATI.
The iconic Beluga aircraft, which have been in service for over 20 years, are known for their ability to transport oversized items that cannot be accommodated in standard cargo aircraft.
While the discontinuation of AiBT limits their availability for external charters, the aircraft will remain integral to Airbus’ supply chain operations.
This development follows Airbus’ continued focus on enhancing efficiencies in its core business areas while re-evaluating external ventures.