Airbus shuts down mega-plane cargo daughter Beluga Transport

European aircraft maker Airbus is ceasing operations with Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT), its cargo company, for exceptional transport. The company used specially developed megaplanes, ‘Beluga ST’. It involved 75 jobs.

“Global demand for cargo transport by aircraft remains strong,” said Airbus. “But we have found that certain activities have shifted to shipping.” In addition, the company cites “very significant operational difficulties”. Flights on the ‘Beluga ST’ required, among other things, specific procedures, and special unloading and loading platforms.

Payload of 47 tons

The ‘Beluga ST’ airplanes, equipped with a specially adapted nose loading hatch, were developed by Airbus based on the A300 to transport large aircraft parts between the various Airbus factories, specifically between Toulouse, Hamburg, and nine other sites, and they did so 60 times per week.

They got their name because their silhouette resembles a beluga or white dolphin. The airplanes are more than 63 meters long, have a wingspan of 60 meters, and are nearly 19 meters high.

Airbus has used them since 1995. However, in 2019, the first generation was replaced by the Beluga XL aircraft based on the A330, which has a maximum payload of 47 tons—the Antonov An-124 has a cargo weight capacity of 150 tons.

Beluga XL still flies

Airbus gave four examples of older aircraft a second life by creating a separate cargo company in early 2022. Other companies, from sectors such as aerospace, energy, defense, and shipping, could have their exceptional transports carried on those Airbus mega-planes.

All flights with the ‘Beluga ST’ mega planes are now suspended. Airbus continues to focus on cargo aviation, including its A350F cargo plane. The ‘Beluga XL’ airplanes also continue to fly between Airbus factories.