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By Bjorn Fehrm

Introduction

October 28, 2021, © Leeham News: The headline seems like a no-brainer. On long thin routes over the Atlantic, we have learned a Boeing 757, or its replacement, the Airbus A321LR, is the right aircraft (as long as it’s within its range).

This was the situation in a pre-pandemic market where freight yields were half of today. The single-aisle has lower operating costs than the widebodies, and if the passenger stream and range fits, it was the transport to have on the route.

With the high cargo prices, does this change? We check for several Atlantic routes.

Summary

• The increased yields for air cargo challenge the mantra; a single aisle is preferred for trans-Atlantic service as long as the passenger number and range fits.
• Going forward it will be all about the cargo prices and the number of passengers to transport.