Kolkata Airport Welcomes Airbus Beluga XL for Its Inaugural Stop
Historic Landing at Kolkata Airport
In a significant aviation event, Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport has welcomed the Airbus Beluga XL, the largest aircraft in its series, for the first time. The historic landing occurred on Tuesday at 10:43 PM, marking a milestone in the airport's history. The Beluga XL, which arrived from Bahrain International Airport, was received with a water salute, a traditional gesture of welcome for special aircraft.
The Beluga XL is an upgraded version of the Beluga ST and is specifically designed to transport oversized cargo, including essential aircraft components such as wings and fuselages. It measures 207 feet in length, 62 feet in height, and has a wingspan of 197 feet and 10 inches, making it one of the largest transport aircraft in the world.
The aircraft originated from Toulouse (LFBO/TLS) Airbus factory and is transporting equipment and parts to another unit based in Tianjin (ZBTJ), China. The flight stopped in Kolkata for crew rest, compliance with flight duty time limitations (FDTL), and refueling. Kolkata is the only suitable airport in eastern India equipped to handle this type of aircraft.
The Beluga XL made its maiden flight in 2018 and received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November 2019. It entered service in January 2020, paving the way for its operational use in transporting large aircraft components across the globe.
The Beluga XL's visit to Kolkata not only highlights the airport's capacity to handle large aircraft but also underscores its role in supporting Airbus's worldwide supply chain. The aircraft's impressive size and transport capabilities make it a crucial component in ensuring smooth operations at Airbus's production sites.
The Beluga XL's name and appearance are inspired by the Beluga whale due to its bulbous nose and large body. It has a payload capacity of 51 tons and can carry two A350 XWB wings simultaneously, streamlining logistics for Airbus by transporting larger components in fewer trips.
Kolkata airport's ability to accommodate the Beluga XL underscores its strategic importance in eastern India. The airport's facilities and crew are well-equipped to handle the unique requirements of this massive aircraft, ensuring a smooth stopover for the crew and efficient refueling.
The Beluga XL's visit to Kolkata marks a significant milestone in the airport's history and demonstrates its commitment to supporting global aviation operations. As the only airport in eastern India capable of handling this type of aircraft, Kolkata NSCBI Airport continues to play a vital role in the logistics of major aviation companies like Airbus.
The aircraft will be refueled on Wednesday evening before departing at 5:50 PM. The Beluga XL is currently parked on J1 bay at Kolkata airport, awaiting its next leg of the journey.
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