In June 2024, Airbus marked a significant milestone with the induction of the last of six BelugaXL aircraft into its fleet.

This completion heralds a new era for Airbus Transport International (ATI), the company’s internal airline, enhancing its industrial capabilities with a new generation of heavy-lift aircraft. The BelugaXL, successor to the iconic A300-600ST ‘Beluga’, has been pivotal in this transformation since its first introduction as a test platform in 2018.

The BelugaXL program was initiated in 2014, bringing together a centralized development team of around 1,000 engineers and suppliers. This consolidation of expertise allowed for more streamlined decision-making and process simplification, accelerating the aircraft’s development timeline. By reusing parts, equipment, and design principles from other Airbus platforms, the BelugaXL was able to move from the drawing board to its maiden flight in just five years.

Built on the A330-200 freighter platform, each BelugaXL boasts a payload capacity of 51 tonnes and a range of 2,200 nautical miles, offering 30% more payload capacity than its predecessor. Its cavernous hold can accommodate the largest A350 fuselage sections or two 30-metre long wings, doubling the capacity of the original Beluga. This enhanced capability is central to Airbus’ strategy of ramping up production across its commercial aircraft programs in 2024.

ATI, an Airbus subsidiary since 1996, will now operate the complete fleet of six BelugaXLs. These specially commissioned airlifters, built in Toulouse, France, are integral to Airbus’ logistics, transporting sub-assemblies and components between manufacturing sites in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. Each mission features a remarkable turnaround time of just 70 minutes, facilitated by specially designed loading facilities.

The inaugural BelugaXL, after serving as the test aircraft, has undergone a major refurbishment and is now ready to contribute to the fleet’s heavy lifting. This addition is timely as Airbus gears up for increased production across all its commercial aircraft lines. By 2027, the BelugaXL fleet is expected to reach 9,500 flight hours annually, up from a planned 6,500 flight hours in 2024.

Sustainability is a key focus for Airbus. The BelugaXL can operate on a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supporting Airbus’ goal to gradually increase SAF use in its operations. By 2030, Airbus aims for the fleet to operate entirely on SAF, aligning with its broader sustainability roadmap.

The greater capacity of the BelugaXL also means fewer flights are needed, reducing carbon emissions. ATI projects that in 2024, the fleet will transport approximately 5% more payload compared to 2019’s mixed fleet of BelugaXLs and Beluga STs, while emitting 20% fewer carbon emissions.