Bangladesh, June 17 -- European Cargo's Airbus A340-600 "preighter" fleet hauled e-commerce and general cargo from Asia to the UK, but volatile fuel prices and weak rates made the operation unsustainable, bringing about its receivership.

Aviation fuel prices reportedly doubled after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, reaching USD 4.02 per barrel on April 2.

Prices eased through May and early June, but the conflict's duration and the time needed to restore oil output suggest elevated prices could persist, raising fresh doubts about the long-term viability of four-engine freighters such as the Boeing 747.

Some carriers, including Silk Way West and Air China Cargo, have already begun trimming their 747 freighter fleets.

Tom Cra...