Air Atlanta May Order The Airbus A350

Air Atlanta has expressed interest in purchasing the Airbus A350 as part of its effort to expand passenger operations, but it has not yet formalised a decision.

In an interview with Air Cargo News, chief executive Baldvin Mar Hermannsson discussed the development of its operations and the need to evolve with the times, including finding ways to take the next step.

Hermannsson expressed interest in the A350 during the interview, believing this type may be better suited than returning to older aircraft, namely the A330, for passenger service, not freighter operations.

Airbus A350 may be part of Air Atlanta’s future

Air Atlanta has operated Airbus jets for passenger service before, and while that isn’t what it’s primarily known for, it leveraged A330s and A340s; however, the airline’s chief opposes those aircraft.

The A350 interest therefore stems from valuations and planned development within the business, not from the possible use of the A330 or the apparent need for a widebody jet, but from something yet to be formally confirmed.

The carrier is currently taking a more risk-tolerant approach to future growth as it assesses conditions in the Middle East, having leased 777s to Saudia for operation. Expanding its passenger fleet would therefore meet the requirements of its contracted airline customers.

Long-term agreements with Air Atlanta’s aircraft have been preferred, with the business centring on supply of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and then subsequent insurance under these ACMI agreements. As flexibility and efficient operations have become increasingly important, the role of an aircraft like the A350 is growing too.

Boeing 777 could also be used to develop a fleet

Air Cargo News’ interview with Air Atlanta’s chief also showed positive views on leveraging the Boeing 777 fleet and expanding its role in the near term to meet passenger and freight needs, with the latter as the key focus.

Air Atlanta’s widebody fleet totals almost 20 aircraft across its Icelandia and Maltese operations, with Boeing 747-400 freighters complemented by 777-300 converted freighters and passenger jets within the 777 family.

Expanding the 777 family, specifically through the passenger-to-freighter conversion programme, is another option to deploy existing passenger planes to more suitable customers where geopolitical tensions are not present.

As the 777 passenger fleet ages and the 777-300ER begins entering passenger-to-freight conversions, companies like Air Atlanta have fresh opportunities to access these aircraft sooner than waiting for more expensive, delayed production-line jets.

Hermannsson told the publication that they clearly love the 777 and plan to keep building this fleet. However, they will also consider the A350 alongside their 777 operations, with a clear view of the two families working together in the future to serve passenger and freight requirements.

No specifics on variants, units, delivery timeframes, or when Air Atlanta decides whether to acquire the A350s, but Air Atlanta’s interest is real. Alongside the 777 family, the goal is to meet customer demand while evolving its portfolio.