Airbus has unveiled the sixth and final BelugaXL aircraft as it emerged from the paint shop in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, which is named "Beluga TwoSix," is the last of a six-plane fleet that was designed to transport aircraft components between Airbus' manufacturing facilities.
The BelugaXL is a modified version of the A330-200 freighter. It has a larger cargo hold than the previous BelugaST aircraft, which allows it to carry larger components, such as the wings of the A350 XWB. The BelugaXL has a maximum payload of 51 tonnes and a range of 4,000 km.
The first BelugaXL entered service in January 2020. The sixth and final aircraft is expected to be delivered to Airbus in the coming months. The BelugaXL fleet will play a key role in Airbus' production ramp-up for the A350 XWB and other aircraft.
The unveiling of the sixth and final BelugaXL is a significant milestone for Airbus. The aircraft represents the culmination of a six-year program to develop a new generation of super transporter aircraft. The BelugaXL fleet will help Airbus to meet the growing demand for air transportation of aircraft components. In addition to the BelugaXL fleet, Airbus is also developing a new generation of transport aircraft called the "Multi-Role Transport Aircraft" (MTA). The MTA is a larger aircraft that will be able to carry even larger components, such as the fuselage of the A350 XWB. The MTA is expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The unveiling of the sixth and final BelugaXL is a sign of Airbus' commitment to innovation and its continued investment in its production capabilities. The BelugaXL fleet will help Airbus to meet the growing demand for air transportation of aircraft components and to support the production of its next-generation aircraft.