World’s Largest Cargo Plane, Beluga XL, Makes a Remarkable Stopover at Kolkata Airport
World’s Largest Cargo Plane, Beluga XL, Lands Again at Kolkata Airport
Kolkata, Oct 14 (PTI) – The Beluga XL, renowned as the world’s largest cargo aircraft, made another landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on Monday morning, according to an official report.
The aircraft, arriving from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China, touched down at 5:47 am. Its stopover in Kolkata was necessary for crew rest, refueling, and compliance with Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), as stated by a spokesperson from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The Beluga XL is expected to depart from Kolkata at 3:30 pm on Tuesday, bound for Bahrain International Airport, continuing its international cargo operations. The AAI spokesperson noted that the aircraft’s arrival was initially scheduled for October 13 but was delayed by nearly 24 hours.
This marks the second landing of the Beluga XL in Kolkata within a short span of time. The city first saw the giant aircraft on October 8, creating a buzz among aviation enthusiasts. The aircraft’s remarkable size and capabilities make its visits notable events wherever it touches down.
An Aviation Marvel: The Beluga XL
The Beluga XL is the largest member of Airbus’s Beluga series, an upgraded and expanded version of the Beluga ST. It was designed to transport oversized cargo, primarily parts of Airbus aircraft, between production sites across Europe and to other global destinations. With its distinctive whale-like shape, the Beluga XL is easily recognizable and is considered a marvel in the aviation industry.
According to the Airbus website, the Beluga XL measures 207 feet in length, stands 62 feet tall, and has a wingspan of 197 feet and 10 inches. These dimensions make it one of the most massive cargo planes in the world, capable of transporting substantial loads that few other aircraft can handle. Its immense cargo hold is essential for transporting large parts such as wings, fuselage sections, and other critical components of Airbus planes.
Why Kolkata?
While the Beluga XL’s primary purpose is to shuttle oversized aircraft parts, its visits to Kolkata serve operational needs rather than cargo delivery. These stopovers are primarily for crew rest, refueling, and regulatory compliance, particularly adherence to flight duty regulations that limit the number of hours a crew can work continuously.
Despite this, the presence of the Beluga XL at Kolkata’s airport has generated significant interest. Local media and aviation enthusiasts were captivated by the massive aircraft when it first landed in the city on October 8. The delay in its return flight, initially scheduled for October 13, only added to the anticipation.
Beluga XL: A Symbol of Technological Advancement
The Beluga XL represents a significant leap in aviation technology, particularly in the realm of cargo transportation. Its ability to carry oversized loads efficiently and safely across vast distances underscores Airbus’s commitment to innovation and addressing the logistical challenges of modern aerospace manufacturing. The aircraft can transport 30% more cargo than its predecessor, the Beluga ST, enhancing Airbus’s ability to meet the demands of its global production network.
Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 turbofan engines, the Beluga XL is capable of carrying payloads up to 51 tons over distances of approximately 2,200 nautical miles. Its extended cargo space allows for the transportation of two Airbus A350 XWB wings simultaneously, a task that previously required two separate trips with the Beluga ST.
Conclusion
The return of the Beluga XL to Kolkata reflects both the operational needs of modern aviation and the growing global network of Airbus’s manufacturing and logistical operations. Though its purpose in Kolkata may be routine, the aircraft’s presence serves as a reminder of the incredible advancements in aviation technology and the vital role such aircraft play in the global aerospace industry. As the world’s largest cargo plane, the Beluga XL continues to fascinate and inspire those lucky enough to witness its majestic flights.