Airbus has announced the closure of its Beluga Transport Airline division, which was launched in early 2024 to provide oversized cargo transport services using its fleet of Beluga aircraft. The decision, confirmed on January 24, 2025, comes just 14 months after the airline’s inception and marks a strategic realignment within the company.
Beluga Transport was established to capitalize on the unique capabilities of the Beluga ST and Beluga XL aircraft, designed to transport large and irregularly shaped cargo, including satellite components, helicopters, and industrial equipment. However, Airbus has stated that the market demand for such services did not meet expectations, leading to the decision to shut down the operation.
The Beluga aircraft will now return to their primary role of supporting Airbus’ internal logistics, transporting large aircraft sections between the company’s production sites across Europe. Airbus emphasized that this move will allow it to focus on core operations and improve efficiency in its manufacturing processes.
Industry analysts believe the high operating costs of the Beluga fleet, combined with limited external demand, contributed to the closure. While the aircraft remain iconic for their distinctive design and capabilities, the niche market for oversized cargo transport proved insufficient to sustain the standalone operation.
Airbus has assured affected customers that it will provide alternative solutions, leveraging its existing partnerships in the cargo logistics industry.
Source: Aviation A2Z
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