Flintshire, UK - May 17, 2024

The Airbus Beluga is the rarest plane in the sky. The cartoon plane now has its own airline. But not just anyone will be able to fly in this giant beluga-shaped plane. This airline is intended exclusively for the transport of very specific types of cargo.

The Airbus Beluga was designed to tackle the difficult task of transporting extra-large cargo, such as aircraft sections to manufacturing plants.

Its design is influenced by another sea creature-inspired aircraft: NASA's Super Guppy.

Now, Airbus' original Beluga ST fleet is being replaced by the new, more spacious Beluga XL. This aircraft will have enough space to carry both wings of the Airbus A350, the company's latest aircraft, whereas the Beluga ST could only carry one at a time. The older ST models will now be used for Airbus Beluga Transport. They have been in service for almost 20 years and the company believes they have another 20 years to go.

This airline is intended for the transport of oversized cargo, such as helicopters, satellites, aircraft engines, ships or military vehicles. You know, those items that are too big to check in. Its cargo hold is 50% larger and 10% wider than that of a normal cargo aircraft.
Although the cockpit is unchanged from the Airbus A300 on which it is based, pilots have to undergo special training to get used to flying with such a large head. Another challenge is its range, which is 1,600 nautical miles. This means it would have to stop to refuel up to twice when travelling between Europe and the United States.

Its maximum cargo weight is 40 metric tonnes, significantly less than a competitor such as the Antonov, which can carry three times that weight. But while other cargo aircraft can carry heavier loads, this airline has a unique advantage, as it is adept at the complexities involved in transporting objects such as helicopters or satellites.

With some images in association with Belma0000.

SHOTLIST:
1. various Beluga Airbus at Chester Hawarden Airport.