After launching its own outsized cargo service in January 2022, Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT) has now received its own Air Operator Certificate; allowing the new service to operate as a dedicated cargo airline.
The company’s main offices are located at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, while its aircraft operational base at Francazal airport possesses two dedicated parking spots. Three BelugaSTs have been transferred from Airbus Transport International (ATI) , with the fourth aircraft due for induction in 2024.
AiBT’s final dossier was submitted at the end of June 2023 and builds on the documentation and processes of ATI (who are also responsible for operating the new air cargo service). After an audit was successfully completed in September, a Continuous Airworthiness and Maintenance Organisation (CAMO) certificate followed at the beginning of November.
Crews will initially build their experience on short intra-Europe ‘hops’ between Airbus sites, while AiBT also looks to expand the scope of certified payloads that will be required for the transportation needs of external customers. Later in 2024, AiBT hopes to extend its mission profile to include long-haul flights. “We want to achieve three missions per month of that kind in 2024 – on top of the existing missions with the BelugaST throughout Europe in support of ATI’s service for Airbus’ production system,” explains Benoît Lemonnier, managing director of AiBT.
“To date we have recruited almost 60 employees into the company,” adds Lemonnier, confirming that 12 ATI’s pilots have been recruited to join AiBT for up to three years. The new company is also actively recruiting pilots from outside of Airbus, looking to have around 36 pilots by 2026.