Aviation
Commercial /
Europe
Differentiated painting
Airbus launches its sixth and final Beluga XL freighter
6th Beluga XL
Image: Airbus
Rafael Ramos
7/5/2023
Airbus has launched its sixth A330-200-based cargo plane, the Beluga XL, which Airbus has said will be its last. The plane was launched at the factory in Tolouse, France.
The plane joins the other five to help carry parts between Airbus' own factories, a service previously performed by the Beluga ST, helping to maintain the manufacturer's schedule.
What sets this plane apart from the other five is its distinctive paint job. This aircraft features the standard paintwork of the Airbus tail colors and logo, and the "Airbus Beluga XL" back on the fuselage, as seen on the other five aircraft. However, this aircraft has the logo "Also flying outsize cargo to its destination", as well as a "winking eye" on the left side of the forward fuselage.
The first flight should take place in the next few days, with the plane entering service in the second half of this year. the Beluga XL's unique design provides for a large cargo door located above the flight deck, which makes it easy to load entire wings and large fuselage sections into its voluminous nose-to-tail cargo bay. The volume of the plane is so large that it can carry two full wings of the A350 XWB, while the Beluga ST can only carry one.
6th Beluga XL
Image: Airbus
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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