European Cargo Into Administration

[hammo19]

The company operated a number of Airbus A340-600s that they bought from Virgin. They ran an e-commerce cargo service between England and China. Unfortunately they went into administration early June and have issued redundancy notices to their employees. It appears as though the cost of operating the 340 was the cause of the collapse of the company.

I live near Teeside Airport and was delighted to hear they would be operating a regular service and have seen the 340s come and go since March 2026. The 340s are currently grounded with 6 at Bournemouth and 1 at Teeside awaiting their fate, presumably sell off as part of the administration process.

The 340 is a spotters firm favourite and I feel saddened they will not be seen in the skies over Teeside.

[MarkwG]

Sad but not that surprising: the A340s got a reprieve to fly cargo as a result of Covid, bringing in PPE & cargo, when the normal channels stopped. My recollection is they were bought from Virgin to be parted out anyway. Thirsty four engine old jets will struggle now normal ops have resumed. Loved to see them cruising in & out though.

[48k]

hammo19 said:

The 340s are currently grounded with 6 at Bournemouth and 1 at Teeside awaiting their fate, presumably sell off as part of the administration process.

They went in to administration last Wednesday (3rd). Assuming they own the aircraft, the airports may have applied for liens on them, so they wouldnt be allowed to go anywhere until the outstanding fees are paid (which are of course increasing daily).
When I was learning to fly my flying school went bust, the airport got liens issued very quickly but it all got very messy because the aircraft were leased.

[Every day a journey]

Isn't that Paul Stoddart's company?

[MarkwG]

It was, I understand he sold on 18 months or so ago.