FarCargo, a subsidiary of Bakkafrost, a fish farmer based in the Faroe Islands, has marked a significant milestone by acquiring its inaugural cargo aircraft, a repurposed Boeing 757-200. The delivery, which took place in late December, signifies FarCargo’s entry into the air transportation sector, primarily focused on shipping salmon.
The Boeing 757-200, acquired through a deal finalized in August of the previous year, has been modified to accommodate cargo operations, boasting a capacity of up to 35 tons or 230 cubic meters. The cargo hull has been specifically tailored to support the transportation of refrigerated cargo.
FarCargo revealed that the aircraft arrived in Copenhagen on January 17, where it is undergoing the transition from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as it is transferred to the European flight register.
In a strategic move, FarCargo has partnered with West Atlantic, a Swedish airline, allowing it to operate the newly acquired aircraft under its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) until FarCargo secures its own AOC. Initial flight operations are scheduled to commence within Europe, facilitating the familiarization of flight crews and technical personnel with the aircraft and obtaining necessary certificates and permits.
FarCargo’s route will extend from Vágar Airport in the Faroe Islands to Newark International Airport in New York, via Keflavik Airport in Iceland. The return journey from Newark to Vágar will include a stopover at Billund Airport in Denmark. The airline plans to gradually expand its operations to multiple departures each week.
For cargo services, FarCargo has entered into agreements with local freight forwarders, offering cargo space to European and Faroese customers. The airline has collaborated with ECS Group’s Nordic GSA to provide cargo services from Newark to Billund and the Faroe Islands.
In a commitment to sustainability, FarCargo has pledged to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its operations. The airline aims to increase the percentage of SAF usage in its fuel, subject to technological advancements and market conditions. This move positions FarCargo not only as a key player in salmon transportation but also as a proponent of environmentally conscious aviation practices.
