The Beluga XL, the world’s largest cargo plane, made a much-anticipated landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport early on Monday morning. The massive aircraft, which is part of Airbus’s fleet, arrived at 5:47 am after departing from the Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China. The landing marked the second time that Kolkata had the opportunity to host the giant cargo plane, much to the excitement of aviation enthusiasts and airport staff.
Purpose of the landing
According to officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the primary purpose of the Beluga XL’s stopover in Kolkata was for crew rest, Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), and refueling. Given the long-distance flights that the aircraft undertakes, these stopovers are crucial for ensuring the well-being of the crew and compliance with international aviation regulations regarding flight duty hours.
“The aircraft is scheduled to depart at 3:30 pm on Tuesday for Bahrain International Airport,” an AAI spokesperson said. The flight was initially expected to return to Kolkata on October 13, but due to operational delays, it arrived almost 24 hours later than planned.
A repeated visitor to Kolkata
The Beluga XL had previously made its first landing in Kolkata on October 8, drawing attention from aviation watchers as well as local residents who were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest cargo plane. Kolkata, as one of the few airports in Eastern India capable of accommodating such a large aircraft, was specifically chosen for the technical stop. The plane’s size and specialized needs require well-equipped facilities for handling such enormous aviation machinery.
In its earlier landing, the Kolkata airport authorities took to social media, posting about the rare occurrence on X (formerly Twitter), noting how the city was honored to welcome the Airbus Beluga XL, which was carrying essential aircraft components. “For the first time, Kolkata’s NSCBI Airport welcomed the Airbus Beluga XL, the largest in its series, carrying essential aircraft components. The flight stopped in Kolkata for crew rest, FDTL, and refueling, as it’s the only airport in Eastern India equipped to handle this aircraft,” said the airport authorities.
About the beluga XL
The Beluga XL is a one-of-a-kind aircraft, specially designed to transport oversized cargo, primarily aircraft components like fuselage sections and wings for Airbus’s commercial aircraft. It is the successor to the Beluga ST, an older version of the cargo plane.
According to data on the Airbus website, the Beluga XL is significantly larger than its predecessor. The aircraft measures an impressive 207 feet in length and stands 62 feet tall. Its wingspan extends to 197 feet and 10 inches, giving it the capacity to carry enormous payloads. The cargo hold of the Beluga XL has more space than any other aircraft in the world, making it a critical component of Airbus’s logistics operations.
The Beluga XL can transport two wings of the Airbus A350 at once, whereas the earlier Beluga ST could only carry one. The aircraft has a maximum payload capacity of 51 tonnes and a range of 4,000 kilometers, making it ideal for long-distance hauls between Airbus production sites across Europe and beyond.
Kolkata: A key stopover
Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport has quickly become a crucial stopover point for the Beluga XL during its transcontinental missions. As one of the most advanced and well-equipped airports in Eastern India, NSCBI has the necessary infrastructure to handle the massive plane. This includes longer runways and specialized ground support equipment that are essential for refueling and providing maintenance services to the aircraft.
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Significance of the visit
The Beluga XL’s visits to Kolkata not only highlight the city’s growing role in global aviation but also underscore India’s significance in the logistics network of Airbus, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies. Such stopovers are vital for ensuring that Airbus can continue its operations smoothly, and Kolkata’s ability to facilitate these landings positions the city as a key player in the aviation sector.
The Beluga XL is a rare sight, and every time it lands, it garners attention from aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Its sheer size, unique design, and specialized purpose make it one of the most fascinating aircraft in the world. For Kolkata, hosting the world’s largest cargo plane is a matter of pride and a testament to the city’s importance on the international aviation map.
As the aircraft continues its journey, it will depart for Bahrain International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, after completing its brief stopover for refueling and crew rest. Until then, the Beluga XL will remain one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the tarmac of Kolkata’s airport.
