Airbus Airbus A330-743L BelugaXL

26 Apr 2026 · © AviatorShots81

The Airbus BelugaXL — the iconic 'whale' cargo aircraft — lifts off to transport massive aircraft components across Europe.

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Airbus BelugaST (A300-600ST Super Transporter)

Aircraft

Airbus A330-743L BelugaXL A339

Airbus BelugaXL house colors

F-GXLO

Registration

Airline

4Y*

Airbus Transport International

BGA / 4Y*

Manufacturer

Airbus

Gear

Sony A7M4 Sigma 70-200mm F2.8

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Runway Royalty, Livery Legend, Winglet Watcher, Weather Warrior, Airbus Aficionado, Widebody Wizard

8 badges earned

Location

Airbus Aussichtspunkt

Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport · XFW/EDHI

53.5309, 9.8307

Open map

Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport XFW

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The BelugaXL is Airbus’s next-generation oversized transport, introduced to replace the original Beluga ST; only six were built. Used exclusively for ferrying aircraft sections and oversized cargo.

Fleet Rarity

Extremely rare — only 6 BelugaXLs produced as of 2024.

Record Flights

Operates the longest internal Airbus supply routes across Europe, sometimes making rare visits to non-Airbus airports for special cargos.

Safety & Events

No major incidents reported as of 2024; known for its striking whale-themed livery and as an aviation enthusiast favorite.

Future Outlook

Active in Airbus fleet; expected to serve for at least two decades.

Specifications

Rolls-Royce Trent 700

Engine

60.3 meters

Wingspan

63.1 meters

Length

4,000 km

Range

737 km/h

Speed

53,000 kg cargo (main deck)

Capacity

227,000 kg

MTOW

18.9 meters

Height

316 kN (71,000 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 4

Noise