It may not seem like it at first glance, but the Beluga has already celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Airbus originally used the Super Guppy, which first flew in 1971, to transport large cargo, including rocket parts for NASA. However, as Airbus’ cargo transportation needs grew, the company realized the need for a new aircraft. This led to the creation of the Beluga ST, which took its first flight in 1994.
Based on the Airbus A300-600 platform, only six Beluga ST aircraft were produced. With a range of 1,650 kilometers, the Beluga ST can carry up to 40 tons of cargo. It accommodates items up to 39.1 meters long and 7.1 meters in diameter.
In 2014, Airbus began developing a successor to the Beluga ST, resulting in the BelugaXL. The BelugaXL made its first flight in 2018, received certification from EASA in 2019, and entered regular service in 2020. It is based on the Airbus A330-200 platform, with six BelugaXL aircraft gradually replacing the older Beluga STs. The BelugaXL allows for the transport of larger cargo, accommodating loads up to 46.8 meters in length, 8.1 meters in width, and 7.5 meters in height. It can carry up to 51 tons of cargo over a maximum distance of 4,000 kilometers.
Airbus also focused on sustainability with the Beluga series, designing the aircraft to be compatible with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel.
