Universal Sky Carrier (USC), the new German ACMI airline, successfully marked its debut in the aviation industry with a historic flight on behalf of ACC Aviation to Madagascar. This milestone journey, which took place on September 5, 2023, saw the startup airline’s Airbus A340-300 soaring through the skies.
USC, founded in 2020 has Frankfurt Airport as its home base. The maiden flight, operated in collaboration with ACC Aviation, was a resounding success. The first flight was conducted on the 5th of September 2023, from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo (TNR), operating as MD51 and using an Airbus A340-300. The same aircraft was used for the return sector, from TNR to CDG, on the 6th of September 2023, operating as MD50.
Commenting on the collaboration, Zeineb Lassoued, VP Regional for MEA at ACC Aviation, expressed, “We are honored to have been chosen by Madagascar Airlines as their trusted ACMI arranger and would like to thank both USC GmbH and Madagascar Airlines’ teams for their professionalism and dedication to making this project feasible.”
Klaus Dieter Martin, Managing Director at USC GmbH, echoed these sentiments, saying, “USC is proud and honored to have been selected by Madagascar Airlines to operate their commercial flights between Paris and Antananarivo on the 5th and the 6th of September 2023. We have spared no effort in ensuring smooth and professional operations and hope to not only meet but also exceed Madagascar Airlines’ expectations.”
This achievement comes shortly after USC received its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in mid-August 2023. Since obtaining this crucial certification, the airline has been able to offer ad hoc charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services, marking a new era of opportunities and growth for the company.
USC’s fleet presently features two Airbus A340 aircraft, procured in December. These include an Airbus A340-300 (registration: D-AUSC) and an A340-600 (registration: D-AUSZ), both having served for South African Airways. The A340-300 boasts a passenger capacity of 253 seats, including 215 in Economy and 38 in Business Class. Meanwhile, the larger A340-600 can accommodate 317 passengers, with 275 in Economy and 42 in Business Class. These aircraft also exhibit substantial cargo capabilities, with 53 and 72-ton capacities, respectively.
Following the acquisition of its airline operator certificate, the company is now setting its sights on building a formidable fleet comprising ten A340-600Fs and -300Fs. Klaus Dieter Martin elaborated on this strategy, stating, “Our initial plan involves launching with a fully converted A340-300, equipped with an Avensis Medius Class E cargo modification,” the MD told Cargo Facts.
