// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did European Cargo say to the ship? "You're carrying a heavy load.
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| Founded | 2020 | ||||||
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Commenced operations | April 2020 | ||||||
Ceased operations | 19 May 2026 | ||||||
| Hubs | Bournemouth Airport Teesside International Airport | ||||||
| Fleet size | 9 | ||||||
| Destinations | 8 | ||||||
| Parent company | Priority 1 Holdings | ||||||
| Key people | Paul Stoddart (founder) Jason Holt, Iain Edwards | ||||||
European Cargo was a British cargo airline based at Bournemouth Airport, England, operating a fleet of Airbus A340-600 converted freighters.[1]
History
[edit]PPE charter flights
[edit]European Cargo began operations in April 2020 when its parent company, European Aviation Air Charter (inoperative as an airline but still active in other aviation businesses), responded to an urgent request by the UK government for PPE transport from Malaysia. The carrier operated an initial series of freight services operated by Maleth-Aero of Malta using former Virgin Atlantic A340-600 aircraft, which were painted in commemorative liveries as a tribute to the British National Health Service.
Establishment of permanent operation
[edit]In December 2020, European Cargo Ltd. was registered in England and Wales,[2] and shortly thereafter began to take over the operation of the A340-600 airliners from Maltese partner Maleth-Aero.[3] These aircraft were placed on the UK register beginning in February 2021.
European Cargo began converting its widebody fleet into permanent freight configuration (the aircraft had been operating as temporary "preighters" - passenger aircraft temporarily repurposed for freight operations) in 2022, with the first of these certified by the EASA in December of that year.[4] The airline also received investment from Priority 1, a US logistics broker, in 2022.[5] In April 2023, European Cargo opened a new route from Bournemouth to Chengdu,[6] and also began fresh fish charters between Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes and Heathrow Airport. In March 2026, they opened a new base at Teesside International Airport, with five weekly flights to Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport.[7]
The airline appeared to have suspended operations on 19 May 2026, casting doubt over its future.[8] It was later confirmed on 3 June 2026 that the airline had entered administration, with Teneo Financial Advisory Limted being appointed as joint administrators.[9]
Destinations
[edit]European Cargo served the following scheduled destinations, alongside a variety of charter routes:
| Country | City | Airport | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | Vienna | Vienna International Airport | |
| China | Chengdu | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | ||
| Haikou | Haikou Meilan International Airport | ||
| Ürümqi | Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport | ||
| Norway | Harstad | Harstad/Narvik Airport | Seasonal |
| United Kingdom | Bournemouth | Bournemouth Airport | |
| Teesside | Teesside International Airport |
Fleet
[edit]Current fleet
[edit]As of March 2026[update], prior to closure, European Cargo operated the following aircraft:[10]
| Aircraft | Operational | Stored/maintenance | Due | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A340-600 | 3 | - | ||
| Airbus A340-600P2F | 6 | - |
Former
[edit]The airline previously operated the following aircraft:
References
[edit]- ↑ Hardy, Edward (22 December 2022). "Bournemouth-based European Cargo celebrates freighter milestone". AIR CARGO WEEK. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑ "EUROPEAN CARGO LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑ "New European Freight Airline Ready For Takeoff Shortly | Aviation Week Network". aviationweek.com. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑
- ↑ Saunders, Eddie (28 March 2022). "European Cargo Limited announces investment to accelerate growth". CAAS /// Cargo Airports & Airline Services. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑ Brett, Damian (4 May 2023). "New all-cargo service between China and UK". Air Cargo News. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑ "Teesside Airport Secures Landmark Air Freight Deal With Global Carrier". teessideinternational.com. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ "European Cargo Enters Administration, Halts A340 Flights". Airways Magazine. 3 June 2026. Retrieved 3 June 2026.
- ↑ "European Cargo at Bournemouth Airport enters administration". Bournemouth Echo. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
- ↑ "Global Airline Guide 2025 - European Cargo". Airliner World. September 2025. p. 78.
