Boeing buys embraer

Airbus has pointed to operational issues as the primary reason for its decision to close its specialised AST Beluga cargo airline, little more than a year after obtaining certification.

The airline, Airbus Beluga Transport, was established to pursue outsize freight business after the airframer withdrew the AST fleet from its internal logistics service.

While the carrier has operated a number of flights, transporting such payloads as military helicopters and satellites, Airbus says it is terminating the activity.

“Overall, the cargo market development is not the reason for [Airbus Beluga Transport] to close its business, as operational issues were the biggest challenge instead,” the company tells FlightGlobal.

The Beluga has a high main cargo deck, and Airbus had to develop a tailored lifting platform capable of handling outsize loads and which could be transported to the destination.

It adds that the aircraft required “specific” handling procedures and a dedicated, trained