£156m European Super Plane to Launch Its Own Airline After 20 Years
The Airbus Beluga, a €183m (£155m) aircraft that has been in service since 1995, is set to get its own airline known as Airbus Beluga Transport. This unique aircraft, often used to transport oversized items such as aircraft parts, is being repurposed to cater specifically to the transportation of large payloads without the need for dismantling. Head of Airbus Beluga Transport, Benoit Lemonnier, highlighted the aircraft’s capabilities, stating that it eliminates the need to break down payloads to fit in other aircraft.
Despite its age, the Beluga ST is expected to remain in service for at least another 20 years. Lemonnier acknowledged that pilots may require specific training to handle the aircraft due to its sensitivity to wind, but overall, it operates similarly to other planes. Aviation analyst Gary Crichlow pointed out that while the Beluga ST may face operational challenges due to the nature of the payloads it carries, the decision to launch an airline based on this aircraft is considered a low-risk venture for Airbus.
The announcement of the new airline comes shortly after Airbus’s chief executive, Christian Scherer, expressed confidence in the UK market post-Brexit, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its UK operations. Despite uncertainties surrounding Brexit, Airbus remains optimistic about its future in the UK, citing the country’s productivity and quality as key factors in their decision to maintain operations.
As Airbus prepares to launch Airbus Beluga Transport, the aviation industry eagerly anticipates the unique services and capabilities this new airline will bring to the market. With the Beluga’s proven track record and specialized design, the establishment of this airline marks a significant milestone in the world of air cargo transportation.