Western Global gains approval for freighter fleet expansion

Freighter operator Western Global Airlines will have restrictions on the size of its freighter fleet removed by the US Department of Transportation (DoT).

The airline’s fleet was restricted following its launch in 2014 in line with the usual DoT practice of closely monitoring new carriers during the first five years of operations.

The carrier has had its fleet limitations increased on several occasions but they have now been removed completely after demonstrating its operational and financial capabilities.

“The Department has reviewed the information submitted by Western Global and finds it appropriate to remove the aircraft limitation under which the air carrier currently operates,” the DoT said in its decision.

“Western Global was found fit in 2014, and it has operated under the aircraft fleet restrictions for more than five years.

“The [US] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has closely overseen and regulated Western Global’s fleet growth and has also informed us that the air carrier has conducted its operations satisfactorily and that it has no objection to the removal of the aircraft fleet restrictions imposed on Western Global.”

At the time of applying for restrictions to be removed, the airline’s operational fleet amounted to 12 MD-11Fs and three B747Fs. It also has three aircraft for spare parts and six intended for future operations.

In 2020 the company generated $375.5m in operations revenues, following on from $241.2m in 2019 and $253.6m in 2018.

Net income for last year stood at $122.4m, in 2019 it was $15.9m and in 2018 the figure was $48.4m.

In 2021, through June 30, Western Global has generated net income of $28.7m.