Airlines

Airbus Final BelugaXL successfully made its maiden flight

Airbus Final BelugaXL Successfully makes its maiden flight

This weekend marked a historic milestone in Airbus’ production schedule as the sixth and final BelugaXL made its first flight. This event marked the end of a spectacular journey that started with the first BelugaXL’s initial flight five years prior.

BIG week for our much loved #BelugaXL 🐋! As our 6th and final gentle giant takes to the skies for the first time today, we also celebrate 5 years since our first XL outsized cargo transporter took her #FirstFlight 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kQ70Kz3O4g
— Airbus (@Airbus) July 21, 2023

The remarkable freight airplane, the BelugaXL, has played a critical role in Airbus‘ operations, improving its ability to transfer huge cargo and critical components between its manufacturing sites. Its striking and broad shape, reminiscent of the beluga whale that inspired its name, has captured the interest and wonder of aviation enthusiasts all over the world.

Airbus BelugaXL enters service, adding XL capacity to the fleet(Opens in a new browser tab)

The maiden flight of this final BelugaXL showcases Airbus’ commitment to innovation and progress in the aviation industry. With its unique blend of advanced engineering and cutting-edge technology, the BelugaXL exemplifies the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in air transport.

The achievement of the BelugaXL programme demonstrates Airbus‘ commitment to environmentally friendly and efficient aviation solutions. Airbus has considerably reduced the environmental effect of shipping massive components and materials by using this specialized fleet of cargo planes, adding to its broader sustainability goals.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.