Airbus wants to bring its massive cargo planes to the US. Meet the Beluga 'Super Transporter,' which can carry engines, tanks, and even other aircraft.

Taylor RainsJan 15, 2024, 20:56 IST

Airbus recently secured an operator's certificate to fly in the US.Philippe Hugeun/AFP via Getty Images

Airbus wants to bring its fleet of Beluga "Super Transporter" aircraft to the US cargo market.
The mammoth freighter was designed to carry oversized items — mostly parts for Airbus planes.

In 1994, Airbus built a mammoth aircraft called the Beluga "Super Transporter" to support the assembly of its line of commercial airplanes.

The beluga-shaped aircraft carried parts for the manufacturer's family of A320, A330, and A350 planes on behalf of its in-house subsidiary known as Airbus Transport International.

Aside from its main duties with ATI, the BelugaST also operated a handful of one-off cargo shipments for various companies.

This history prompted the founding of Airbus Beluga Transport, or AiBT, in 2022 as a new home for the BelugaST fleet as the planemaker replaced the original jet with the next-generation BelugaXL.

The startup has since received its own independent air operating certificate from French authorities and now has its eyes set on the US, aviation data website ch-aviation reported in mid-December.

Airbus did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Take a look at the old-generation BelugaST plane and how Airbus is planning to put its five-strong fleet's outsized cargo-carrying capabilities to use.

Airbus Beluga Transport officially received its air operating certificate in November.

Airbus' third BelugaST.Airbus

Planespotters data shows ATI has so far transferred three BelugaST aircraft to AiBT.

The BelugaST can use sustainable aviation fuel.Airbus

Airbus has also secured an AOC from the Federal Aviation Administration to allow flights in the US.

Loading a BelugaST.Airbus

The jet had prior experience in this sector, having already completed a few contracts carrying large machinery during its days with ATI.

Loading a helicopter into a BelugaST.Airbus

According to Airbus, its cargo option is favorable for the BelugaST's fuel efficiency and versatility.

Loading the BelugaST in December 2021 for its mission to Kobe, Japan.Airbus

The plane may also fill the gap left behind after Russia destroyed the mammoth Antonov An-225 Mriya.

The damaged Antonov An-225 Mriya on April 2, 2022, months after Russia invaded Ukraine.Vadim Ghirda/AP Photos

Equipped with two General Electric engines, the BelugaST can fly 2,500 nautical miles with up to 100,000 pounds of cargo.

A BelugaST loading an A380 tailcone in 2004.-/AFP via Getty Images

The jet stretches 147 feet wingtip to wingtip, stands 56 feet high, and boasts a 24-foot diameter fuselage.

Airbus BelugaST.Airbus

Its world-leading interior cross-section allows the BelugaST to carry outsized freight like full helicopters, satellites, and tanks.

The BelugaST nose loading on display at the 1998 Farnborough Airshow in England.aviation-images.com via Getty Images

The plane's giant payload is also helpful for quickly replacing engines on grounded aircraft.

Airbus BelugaST freight loading.Airbus

Since its transition to contract flying, Airbus has developed more efficient machinery for loading and unloading the BelugaST.

A BelugaST delivering an Airbus satellite to a customer in Florida in October 2022, marking its first trip to the US since 2009.Herve Gousse-Master Films/Airbus

To improve its turn-around time, the first enhancement is an automated on-board cargo loader.

Airbus BelugaST OBCL test.Airbus

Complementing the OBCL is the BelugaST's redesigned outbound platform that can handle "the heaviest and longest cargo."

Airbus BelugaST outound platform.H. Gousse/Airbus

Meanwhile, a multi-purpose platform has been deployed to lift cargo five feet above the ground to load directly into the BelugaST's nose.

Airbus BelugaST MMP.H. Gousse/Airbus

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