European Cargo

PPE charter flights

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

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]

Current fleet

As of March 2026^[update], prior to closure, European Cargo operated the following aircraft:^[10]

Former

The airline previously operated the following aircraft:

• 4 Airbus A340-500