The fourth aircraft for Airbus’ Transport fleet took flight from Toulouse yesterday (20th July) for its maiden flight and preparation for entry into service.
BelugaXL No4 is the latest oversized transport aircraft to join Airbus Transport International (ATI) to move components such and wings and fuselage sections from Airbus sites around the world to the final assembly lines.
One of the most common on these routes sees the behemoth aircraft visiting Airbus’ wing manufacturing facility at Broughton, North Wales which makes wings for all the Airbus A3XX family of aircraft.
The BelugaXL is based on the Airbus A330 airliner but with an additional fuselage area above the cabin allowing it to take carry a pair of Airbus A350 wings compared to a single wing on the older A300 based Beluga.
Not only does the BelugaXL carry more than its little brother, but it also loads faster. Its built-in efficiency systems cut around an hour off the previous turn around time.
It can carry a payload of up to 51 tonnes a distance of 2,200 miles and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines built in Derby, England.
"FOURmidable"! Our #BelugaXL 4 on its maiden flight today in Toulouse. ? ? pic.twitter.com/kSMsvccngl
— Airbus (@Airbus) July 20, 2021