FarCargo gets ready to launch first transatlantic air cargo route

Faroe Islands-based carrier FarCargo will launch its first transatlantic air cargo route for salmon shipments on March 5.

The planned outbound route will be Billund – Faroe Islands – Newark, with a fuel stop in Keflavik (BLL-FAE-KEF-EWR), and inbound Newark – Billund (EWR-BLL).

A subsidiary of salmon farming business Bakkafrost, FarCargo will use a Boeing 757-200 converted freighter, which it took delivery of at the end of last year.

The aircraft has a total capacity of 34 tons and 240 cubic meters and includes a cool cabin on the maindeck for perishables and pharmaceuticals.

Initially, the aircraft will carry out two rotations per week, increasing to five times per week later this year.

Swedish airline West Atlantic will operate the aircraft on behalf of FarCargo, until FarCargo is able to obtain an AOC.

Bakkafrost has been exporting salmon to the US for the past several years, and with the new direct route Bakkafrost can offer daily deliveries of salmon to customers in the US, marketed as Superior+ Bakka Salmon.

ECS Group company Nordic GSA will offer the airline’s cargo space from Newark to Billund and to the Faroe Islands.

Meanwhile, fellow ECS Group company Globe Air will market the sector Newark to the European Union.

Billund Airport. Photo: FarCargo

Billund Airport will be FarCargo’s main hub in Denmark, connecting the eastbound and westbound route.

FarCargo’s operations are a new business perishables opportunity for the Faroe Islands as this is the first cargo aircraft to operate to and from the islands.

“The FarCargo team is eager to start the operation and look forward to an excellent cooperation with NordicGSA and Billund Airport, and hope that the markets in Denmark and Faroe Islands will take advantage of this new opportunity,” said FarCargo chief executive Birgir Nielsen.

“Billund Airport and Cargo Handling Billund Airport are delighted that FarCargo has chosen BLL as their cargo hub in Denmark,” said Jan Hessellund, chief executive of Billund Airport.

“Adding FarCargo to the growing freighter network in Billund Airport represents unique opportunities for our regional cargo community, while at the same time it supports our overall cargo strategy – to increase the share of flown cargo vs. trucked.

“Together with FarCargo and NordicGSA, we will work to make this route an instrumental part of Faroese and North American trade and a commercial airline success.”

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