In Pictures: Beluga XL makes first UK visit

Who can resists that smile? (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Who can resists that smile? (Image: Aviation Media Co.)

Airbus massive new super transporter aircraft made its first visit to the UK yesterday with flypasts at Bristol Airport, Airbus UK at Filton and then landing at Airbus’ wing production facility at Broughton, North Wales.

The aircraft arrived at Bristol Airport around 14:30 after flying up from Toulouse and we were there to catch the awesome aircraft at Filton.

The BelugaXL is based on the A330 twinjet airliner and will be used to carry wings and other components between Airbus facilities around the world.

It will be a regular visitor to Hawarden Airport where it will take wings made at the Broughton site to Toulouse for assembly and distribution.

About the Beluga XL
About the Beluga XL
Airbus Beluga XL arrives at Airbus Filton (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Airbus Beluga XL arrives at Airbus Filton (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Airbus Beluga XL dips her wings in a nod to staff at Airbus Filton (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Airbus Beluga XL dips her wings in a nod to staff at Airbus Filton (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Who can resists that smile? (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Who can resists that smile? (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
The BelugaXL showing off its whale characteristics (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
The BelugaXL showing off its whale characteristics (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Leaving Filton she overflew the Severn Bridges before heading to North Wales (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Leaving Filton she overflew the Severn Bridges before heading to North Wales (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
About Nick Harding 2032 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.