newstodate.aero
May 02, 2024 (newstodate): The Icelandic cargo ACMI carrier BBN Nordic has ceased operations, effective from April 30, 2024.
So far, no official explanation has been offered as to the reason to close down the airline, but some sources claim a declining demand for ACMI cargo operations in Europe, while other commentators speculate that the recent loss of a key contract with Amazon is behind the decision.
-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, the company says in a statement out today.
BBN is however still a potent brand: the owner of BBN, Lithuania's Avia Solutions Group is in the process of setting up a number of Asian subsidiaries.
ASG's strategy for the Asian/Pacific region comprises the launch of BBN Airlines Thailand with a fleet initially comprising four and growing to 16 Airbus A320 Family aircraft by the end of 2025, and an Indonesian AOC to launch BBN Airlines Indonesia, initially operating a fleet consisting of two Boeing 737-800F specializing in air freight services.
-By the end of 2024, we aim to establish or acquire seven more airlines, with countries like Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia firmly on our radar, says Jonas Janukenas, Avia Solutions Group CEO.
Expansion in the region provides ASG with leverage to counterbalance the reduced seasonal demand in Europe by shifting aircraft between counter-seasonal regions.
Bluebird Cargo was set up in 2000, managed and co-owned by Thor Kjartansson together with other Icelandic investors.
In February 2005, the carrier was sold to the Icelandair Group; but in February 2011 Icelandair decided to divest of Bluebird Cargo that was placed with the two Icelandic banks.
After a few years, the company was acquired by BB Holding until the take-over of the stake by Lithuania's ASG in January 2020.
So far, no official explanation has been offered as to the reason to close down the airline, but some sources claim a declining demand for ACMI cargo operations in Europe, while other commentators speculate that the recent loss of a key contract with Amazon is behind the decision.
-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, the company says in a statement out today.
BBN is however still a potent brand: the owner of BBN, Lithuania's Avia Solutions Group is in the process of setting up a number of Asian subsidiaries.
ASG's strategy for the Asian/Pacific region comprises the launch of BBN Airlines Thailand with a fleet initially comprising four and growing to 16 Airbus A320 Family aircraft by the end of 2025, and an Indonesian AOC to launch BBN Airlines Indonesia, initially operating a fleet consisting of two Boeing 737-800F specializing in air freight services.
-By the end of 2024, we aim to establish or acquire seven more airlines, with countries like Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia firmly on our radar, says Jonas Janukenas, Avia Solutions Group CEO.
Expansion in the region provides ASG with leverage to counterbalance the reduced seasonal demand in Europe by shifting aircraft between counter-seasonal regions.
Bluebird Cargo was set up in 2000, managed and co-owned by Thor Kjartansson together with other Icelandic investors.
In February 2005, the carrier was sold to the Icelandair Group; but in February 2011 Icelandair decided to divest of Bluebird Cargo that was placed with the two Icelandic banks.
After a few years, the company was acquired by BB Holding until the take-over of the stake by Lithuania's ASG in January 2020.