Bluebird Nordic ends freighter operations
Icelandic ACMI leasing and cargo charter airline Bluebird Nordic has terminated all operations.
The airline no longer has an Icelandic air operator certificate (AOC) and is in the process of divesting all its freighters to lessors.
“Bluebird Nordic has announced discontinuing its cargo operations, effective 30 April 2024,” Bluebird’s parent company, Avia Solutions Group told Air Cargo News (ACN).
The company added: “Bluebird Nordic has voluntarily surrendered its Air Operator’s Certificate to the Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration. All aircraft previously operated by the company are being returned to their respective lessors.
“Bluebird Nordic has exclusively operated cargo flights, providing services to clients on both charter and ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) basis.”
Just last year, the Avia Solutions Group-owned airline had plans to grow its fleet, with a goal to reach 25 aircraft in the next couple of years. Avia did not explain why Bluebird had decided to end operations, however, 2023 was a universally challenging year across the air cargo industry.
Planespotters’ data shows that none of Bluebird’s aircraft are in service, but that it formerly had three Boeing 737-400, three Boeing 737-800 and one Boeing 777-200 in its fleet.
Flightradar24 also indicates that there are no live flights being carried out by the airline currently.
According to Bluebird’s website, the airline carried out flights to destinations in Iceland, Billund in Denmark and Dublin in Ireland, but also had capacity deals with IAG, UPS and Emirates SkyCargo to extend its network.
Bluebird had been steadily adding 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft to its fleet. These were provided by its sister company, AviaAM Leasing. ACN understands the lessor had delivered its last 737-800BCF to Bluebird in March last year.
In that same month, the airline had also announced plans to obtain an AOC in Slovakia as part of its goal to expand operations in Europe.
Operating since 1999, Bluebird provided service to major airlines, express companies and parcel services. The airline was licensed to carry most type of cargo, including fresh fish, perishables, pharmaceuticals, animals and dangerous goods, according to Bluebird’s website.
The airline also offered cargo export and import services in Iceland.
As well as Bluebird, Avia Solutions Group’s cargo aviation division includes BBN Airlines Indonesia, SmartLynx Airlines, and Magma Aviation. It also includes air charter firm Arcus Air Logistic and Arcus OBC, which offers onboard courier services.
