NEW YORK – The sixth and final Airbus BelugaXL freighter aircraft entered service with Airbus Transport International, marking the completion of the fleet.
Launched in 2014, the BelugaXL program was designed as the successor to the original BelugaST program.
At 63 meters long and eight meters wide, the BelugaXL boasts the largest cargo bay of all cargo aircraft worldwide and can carry two A350 wings or one A350 fuselage.
The six aircraft operate from 11 destinations in Europe, connecting industrial production sites as part of Airbus’ aircraft manufacturing process.
The Evolution of a Whale
The BelugaXL provides a much-needed upgrade for Airbus’ manufacturing needs, replacing the aging BelugaST fleet.
The BelugaST, operating since the mid-1990s, was designed from the A300-600, Airbus’ first production aircraft.
The BelugaXL, on the other hand, was derived from the manufacturer’s A330-200 freighter aircraft, which includes far newer technology.
According to Airbus, the BelugaXL’s turnaround time is approximately one hour, compared to nearly two hours for its predecessor, the BelugaST.
In addition, the BelugaXL’s transport capacity is 30% greater than that of the BelugaST, which will prove to increase Airbus’ production capabilities.
The BelugaXL in Numbers
The BelugaXL is as long as two blue whales and is large enough to hold 26 small cars or even seven elephants.
While the aircraft will most likely never transport live elephants, it can carry a maximum payload of 51 tons and has a maximum range of 2,200 nautical miles.
The aircraft are forecast to operate 9,500 flight hours annually by 2027 and will operate with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.
Airbus aims to operate the BelugaXL aircraft for 30 years, eventually transitioning to solely using sustainable aviation fuel for its fleet of BelugaXLs by 2030.
The Rundown
- The sixth and final Airbus BelugaXL freighter aircraft entered service with Airbus Transport International, marking the completion of the fleet.
- At 63 meters long and eight meters wide, the BelugaXL boasts the largest cargo bay of all cargo aircraft worldwide and can carry two A350 wings or one A350 fuselage.
- The aircraft are forecast to operate 9,500 flight hours annually by 2027 and will operate with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel.