BelugaXL receives Type Certification
Launched five years ago based on an A330-200 freighter, the BelugaXL has received its Type Certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, paving the way for entry-into-service by early 2020.
The aircraft is an integral part of Airbus’ industrial system and a key enabler for production ramp-up requirements beyond 2019. The BelugaXL allows for 30% extra transport capacity being seven metres longer and one metre wider than its BelugaST predecessor.
With the largest cargo bay cross-section of all existing cargo aircraft worldwide, the BelugaXL can carry two A350 XWB wings compared to the BelugaST, which can only carry one. With a maximum payload of 51 t, the BelugaXL has a range of 4,000 km (2200 nm).
For other outsized news, please refer to the ITJ 49-52/2019 published today, 6 December 2019, with a focus on "breakbulk/heavylift"! (ah)