O Airbus Beluga Super Transporter, a modified version of the Airbus A300-600, popularly known simply as “Beluga“, gained fame by transporting exceptionally large loads. Designed to move oversized cargo that would be impossible to transport by other airborne means, the aircraft continues to fulfill its mission by delivering increasingly larger and heavier loads.
O BelugaST has distinguished itself once again by carrying out a long-range mission from Airbus’ European factories to Qingdao, China, delivering two large helicopters in one go. This groundbreaking flight was the first for Airbus in several categories and demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the super-sized freighter.
This mission adds to a sequence of international flights carried out by BelugaST and by BelugaXL since the creation of Airbus Beluga Transport (AiBT). This time, Airbus’ new air transport division has completed its first operation to China, delivering two H175 helicopters.
Departing on Saturday afternoon from Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS), the aircraft flew over the Middle East and the Asian continent, landing at Qingdao International Airport (TAO) on Sunday morning. This long journey highlighted the first mission of the BelugaST to China under the management of the new cargo airline.
The aircraft carried two H175 helicopters from Airbus, each weighing 7 tons, marking the first time this model has been carried aboard a Beluga. The H175, one of Airbus' largest commercial helicopters, has been on the market since 2009.
During the first half of 2024, the operations of the Beluga da Airbus underwent a notable change, no longer focusing solely on transporting components between the company's factories. In January, the program Beluga gained prominence twice: when it received the air operator certificate (AOC) to carry out its flights and, later, when it obtained authorization to transport cargo to the United States.
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