Airbus has launched a new service to offer outsized freight transportation using its BelugaST ‘Super-Transporter’ aircraft.

The European planemaker said the five-strong aircraft fleet –  which is based on the larger A330-200 platform – can cater to "various possible market applications" since the  aircraft possesses the world's largest interior cross-section of any transport aircraft, accommodating outsized cargo of up to 7.1m in width by 6.7m in height.

It said typical industry sectors which would be served include: engine manufacturers; space industries; helicopter manufacturers; oil & gas and energy providers; machinery manufacturers; land vehicles and other military equipment; humanitarian supply distributors etc.

"Over the years the Beluga fleet has occasionally been called upon over the years to transport outsized cargo (such as industrial machinery, complete space satellites etc.) ie. unrelated to its normal day-to-day job of transporting Airbus aircraft sections. With the new service, these five Belugas will be dedicated solely to transporting such cargo for commercially contracted customers," the planemaker said.

Airbus noted that the first service of the BelugaST took place at the end of 2021 with a delivery from Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing site in Marignane, France, to Kobe in Japan for an undisclosed customer. Beluga #3 stopped to refuel at Warsaw, Poland; Novosibirsk, Russia; and Seoul, Korea.

"The Beluga's wider cross section will open up new markets and new logistical possibilities – which would not be feasible with other current airborne transport means. For example, customers could consider in their future manufacturing process to make larger parts to be transported whole without prior disassembly," said Phillippe Sabo, Head of ATI Air Oversize Transport at Airbus. "In the case of transporting helicopters, not having to dismantle them first really is a plus."

For his part, Clement Beaunis, project leader of Airbus Beluga Transport, said "the large dimensions accommodated are also attractive for satellite manufacturers for example, as they would like to design bigger ones in the future."

"In contrast, today they are constrained in size by the available transport means. The Beluga will relieve that constraint," Beaunis added.

Airbus noted that for the initial Beluga missions, its in-house ‘airline’ Air Transport International (ATI) is using its own aircrew. However, in the near future, once Airbus has commissioned all six new BelugaXLs, the fully released BelugaST fleet will be handed over to a newly created dedicated subsidiary airline with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and staff.