Airbus has been authorise to conduct transatlantic services with its newly-established Airbus Beluga Transport outsize cargo operation.
The airframer obtained a French air operator’s certificate on 13 November for the carrier, which will use the manufacturer’s A300-600ST Beluga fleet.
Its five Belugas are being withdrawn from internal logistics activity and replaced by the A330-700L BelugaXL.
Airbus Beluga Transport has been set up to capitalise on the outsize freight capability of the older twinjets.
It sought authorisation to fly to US destinations in December – stating that it aimed to begin the services in February this year – and clearance has been granted by the US Department of Transportation.
Airbus Beluga Transport’s air operator’s certificate lists the company’s initial aircraft as F-GSTB, which was built in 1996.
