Bermudian-based Longtail Aviation is in the process of adding a Boeing 767 freighter to its fleet as it eyes growth in cargo transportation.

Anatoly Galunov, Longtail’s chief executive, said the company had completed a successful test flight of the new aircraft and was preparing for a proving flight overseen by industry regulator, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority.

“In addition, we already have a second Boeing 767 freighter sister ship in our growth pipeline, making this an exciting period of expansion for the company,” Mr Galunov told The Royal Gazette.

The 767 is a twin-engined aircraft, widely regarded as the workhorse of the air cargo industry, with a maximum payload of more than 52 metric tonnes.

The carrier, which first received its Bermuda air operator certificate 22 years ago, started out providing charter flights for customers flying from Bermuda to North America and other routes around the world.

The business pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, operating a fleet of Boeing 747 freighters during what Mr Galunov described as “unprecedented demand for global air cargo transportation”.

“As global freight markets normalised after the pandemic, cargo rates declined significantly, leading the company to reposition its strategy and focus on new opportunities,” Mr Galunov added.

“Today, Longtail is launching a new cargo programme centred around the Boeing 767 freighter.”

Longtail operates primarily out of Miami International Airport, with a primary focus on the growing demand for air cargo services between Miami and destinations throughout Central and Latin America.

Miami is one of the most important cargo gateways in the Americas, Mr Galunov said, making it an ideal hub for connecting international freight flows into the region.

“We see strong demand from freight forwarders, logistics providers, and import/export businesses serving these markets, and we believe the region offers significant long-term growth opportunities,” Mr Galunov said.

Routes connecting Miami with key cargo markets throughout Central and South America are experiencing growing demand for reliable air freight services, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value cargo, he added.

“Looking further ahead, we intend to continue expanding our fleet in line with market demand,” Mr Galunov said. “We are evaluating opportunities that may include additional Boeing 767 aircraft, Boeing 737 freighters for regional operations, and potentially larger aircraft such as the Boeing 747 for long-haul international cargo services.”

Longtail's international team includes regulatory postholders, flight operations personnel, maintenance specialists, flight crews, operational control personnel, and administrative staff located across Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Latin America.

Longtail’s history goes back to 1999 when Mark Byrne, the late former chairman of Flagstone Re and a fully licensed pilot, set up Island Aviation.

In 2004, the company rebranded as Longtail Aviation and received its Bermuda air operator certificate from the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation.

In 2019, Longtail sold a majority stake to a group of investors led by aviation industry veteran Fabian Bello.

Despite its operating base being Miami, there are still good reasons why Longtail remained a Bermuda-regulated business.

Mr Galunov said Bermuda had built an international reputation for aviation oversight, regulatory professionalism, and operational standards. The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority, he added, was widely recognised throughout the industry, and Bermuda's aviation registry enjoys a strong reputation worldwide.

“For an international airline operating across multiple countries and regions, this reputation provides significant value and credibility,” Mr Galunov added.

“Looking ahead, our vision is to continue building Longtail into a specialised cargo carrier serving the Americas while exploring future opportunities to connect those markets with Asia and other global trade centres.”