London, February 1 - The iconic Airbus Beluga Super Transporter, one of the most recognizable aircraft in aviation history, has completed its final flight and retired to Airbus' Broughton facility in North Wales. On January 29, 2026, the BelugaST number 5 (registration F-GSTF), the youngest of the five A300-600ST airframes, touched down at Hawarden Airport adjacent to the Broughton site after a last journey from Bordeaux, France. Delivered in 2001, this distinctive whale-shaped cargo aircraft spent over 25 years serving as a vital link in Airbus' European logistics network, transporting oversized components such as wings produced at Broughton to assembly lines across the continent. The Beluga Super Transporter fleet, introduced in the mid-1990s to replace earlier Super Guppy transporters, enabled efficient movement of major aircraft sections, supporting the seamless production of Airbus models, including the A320 family, A330, A340, and A350.
Known for its enormous bulbous fuselage and unique design optimized for outsized loads, the Beluga Super Transporter became a symbol of Airbus innovation in industrial air transport. Over its career, F-GSTF completed thousands of flights, contributing to the delivery of wings and other large structures that form the backbone of modern commercial aircraft. As Airbus transitions to the larger, more capable BelugaXL (A330-743L) fleet—offering greater payload and volume—the original BelugaST models are being phased out, with full replacement expected by mid-2027. This shift reflects ongoing advancements in efficiency and capacity to meet the demands of expanding aircraft production across 11 European sites.
The retirement of this particular Beluga marks not an end but a meaningful new beginning at Broughton, a key Airbus wing manufacturing hub with a long history in UK aerospace. The aircraft will be transformed into a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) support facility. This educational hub will open its doors to schools, community groups, and young visitors, providing interactive experiences inside the vast cargo hold to spark interest in aviation and engineering careers. By preserving the aircraft on-site, Airbus aims to inspire the next generation of talent while honoring the Beluga's legacy in supporting the company's industrial success.
This initiative underscores Airbus' commitment to education and skills development in aerospace, turning a retired giant of the skies into a powerful tool for learning. The Beluga Super Transporter's journey from workhorse to STEM classroom ensures its whale-like silhouette continues to captivate and educate, bridging decades of aviation achievement with future innovation at Broughton.
