Airbus Beluga is a specialized wide-body aircraft designed to transport oversized aircraft components and cargo. Originally developed in the mid-1990s, the Beluga (officially called A300-600ST Super Transporter) was created to transport Airbus components between manufacturing sites across Europe. Key Characteristics - Nicknamed after the beluga whale due to its distinctive shape - Freight compartment is 7.4 m in diameter and 37.7 m long - Maximum payload capacity of 47 tonnes - Primarily transports aircraft parts 60 times per week between Airbus sites Evolution In 2020, Airbus introduced the BelugaXL, a larger replacement based on the Airbus A330-200, designed to completely replace the original Beluga fleet by 2025. The BelugaXL offers: - 1 m wider cross-section - 12% increased payload capacity - Specifically designed to transport A350 wings Operational Flexibility Beluga has transported diverse cargo including: - Space station components - Large artwork - Industrial machinery - Intact helicopters