In November 2014, Airbus announced the new project Beluga XL, which includes the manufacture of cargo-type aircraft. Today we announce that manufacturing of the first has begun Airbus Beluga XL. The moment was marked by the first cutting of the rear part of the fuselage for Beluga XL MSN001, opening the way for the final assembly. This is scheduled for early 2017. MSN001 will be the first Beluga XL to fly.
The rear part of the fuselage, produced by Aernnova, will be the first piece to be delivered to the Beluga Assembly Line in Toulouse. The entry of Beluga XL into service is planned at mid-2019.
Beluga XL was launched in November 2014, in order to meet the requirements regarding the transport capacities considering the increase of the production rate for the A350 XWB. Based on the A330-200 Freighter with a large re-use of existing components and equipment, Beluga XL will be powered by engines Rolls Royce Trent 700.
As a main benefit, the Beluga XL aircraft fleet will be able to transport 30% more compared to the current fleet. Thus, the Airbus A350 XWB project can be supported at optimum capacity, but it also allows the production rate of other models to be increased.