Airbus has announced the suspension of its outsized air cargo service, Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), just over a year after the division obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The fleet of A300-600ST Beluga aircraft will now return to Airbus Transport International (ATI), marking the end of AiBT’s independent cargo operations.
End of the Airbus Beluga Transport Service
Why Did Airbus Suspend AiBT?
- Economic challenges led to the decision, as confirmed by Airbus.
- The last AiBT flight (BGA151B) was operated on January 17, 2025, from Bremen (BRE) to Toulouse (TLS) by F-GSTB, the second Beluga to enter Airbus’ fleet.
- Airbus has not disclosed future plans for the A300-600ST Belugas after their reintegration into ATI.
An Airbus spokesperson commented on the decision, stating:
“We confirm that the decision has been taken to terminate the Airbus Beluga Transport business for outsized cargo missions. All flights operated by the BelugaST fleet are suspended as of now.”
The company also emphasized its commitment to supporting employees affected by the closure.
The Rise and Fall of AiBT
- 1996: The A300-600ST Beluga entered service, replacing the Super Guppy for Airbus’ in-house transport.
- 2022: Airbus launched AiBT to offer cargo transport services beyond internal use.
- November 2023: AiBT received its AOC, becoming an independent cargo airline.
- January 2024: The airline had 60 employees, with a mix of internal transfers and external hires.
- January 2025: Airbus shuts down AiBT, returning the Beluga fleet to ATI.
AiBT’s Global Operations and Reach
During its brief operational period, AiBT transported outsized cargo worldwide. Key destinations included:
- Sydney and Melbourne (Australia)
- Dubai and Bahrain (Middle East)
- Hyderabad (India)
- Hamburg (Germany)
- Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt)
- Shenzhen (China)
As of January 2025, all five BelugaST aircraft are stored in Bordeaux and Toulouse, awaiting their next assignment.
The Transition to BelugaXL
Why Is Airbus Phasing Out the BelugaST?
- Airbus has introduced six new BelugaXL aircraft, based on the A330-200, offering 30% more capacity.
- The BelugaXL fleet was developed to support the A350 production ramp-up and other Airbus manufacturing demands.
- The final BelugaXL joined Airbus Transport International (ATI) in June 2024, marking the completion of the transition.
BelugaXL vs. BelugaST: Key Differences
| Feature | BelugaST (A300-600ST) | BelugaXL (A330-700ST) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Increase | Baseline | +30% more than BelugaST |
| Payload | 40 tonnes | 51 tonnes |
| Range | 1,650 NM | 2,200 NM |
| Key Routes | Global cargo transport | Airbus production network |
| Fleet Size | 5 (stored) | 6 (active) |
The BelugaXL fleet is now active on Airbus’ inter-site routes, transporting aircraft components between Toulouse, Hamburg, Saint-Nazaire, and Düsseldorf.
The shutdown of Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT) highlights the challenges of operating an independent outsized cargo airline. While the A300-600ST fleet’s future remains uncertain, Airbus has now fully transitioned to the larger, more capable BelugaXL for its transport needs.
Do you think the BelugaST fleet will find a new role, or will Airbus phase it out entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments!
