First metal has been cut for the brand new Airbus Beluga XL

The first metal has been cut for the brand new Beluga XL fuselage, the milestone paves the way for the final assembly to begin in early 2017.

The rear fuselage, produced by Aernnova in Spain, will be the first part to be delivered to the Beluga Final Assembly Line in Toulouse, the Beluga XL entry into service is planned in mid-2019.

The giant transporter is based on the A330-200 Freighter with a large re-use of existing components and equipment, it will be 20ft longer than the existing A300 Beluga which has become such an iconic sight in the skies above Deeside.

The first metal cuts have been made for the forthcoming Airbus Beluga XL’s super freighters rear fuselage.

The Beluga XL project was launched in November 2014 to address the need for greater transport capacity in light of the A350 XWB ramp-up and other aircraft production rate increases.

Powered with Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines, a fleet of five Beluga XL aircraft will provide Airbus with an additional 30 percent extra transport capacity.

Suppliers
· Aernnova has been selected to design and build the Rear Fuselage & Dorsal Fin.

· Stelia Aerospace, has been selected to design and build the Nose Fuselage & Main Cargo Door which gives the Beluga XL its signature shape.·

· Deharde in partnership with P3 Voith Aerospace has been selected to design and build the Typical Fuselage of the cargo bay.

· Aciturri has been selected to design and build the Horizontal Tail Plane (HTP) box extension & Auxiliary Fins.

With an additional one metre width and six metres in length the Beluga XL is designed to carry two A350 XWB wings at a time, twice that of the current Beluga.